TRANSCRIBED FROM THE ORIGINAL HANDWRITTEN JOURNALS WITH LOVE

BY SANDRA WILCOCK SHURTLEFF AND MARK LEONARD SHURTLEFF (2018-2019)

 HAWAII MISSION HISTORY 1852 – 1855
References to Missionary Thomas Karren

The Hawaiian Mission was initially organized as the Sandwich Islands Mission 12 December
1850. The Sandwich Islands Mission was discontinued 27 March 1858, and reorganized 27
March 1864. In 1900, the name was changed to the Hawaiian Mission.

On 24 February 1937, the Japanese Mission (Hawaii) was organized from the Hawaiian Mission.
The Hawaiian Mission was renamed the Hawaii Mission 1 April 1950. The Japanese Mission
(Hawaii) was discontinued as a separate mission in 1950, and combined with the Hawaii
Mission. The Hawaii Mission was renamed the Hawaii Honolulu Mission 20 June 1974.

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 MISSIONARY JOURNAL OF THOMAS KARREN
Sandwich (Hawaiian Islands) February 1853 - January 1885

May 4, 1853 [Island of Lanai]1

Thursday 5th, as it is general fast day among the saints being the first Thursday of
the month, we appointed this for a fast day also. The first think in the morning I
was called upon to administer to the sick. I think the doctors will be down on us by
and by because the missionaries are called upon from all quarters to administer to
the sick and God does acknowledge our administration.

There was a man who sent for us to come and see him. He is French and a strict
Catholic. He is Council for the French. He was struck some 16 months ago with a
paralytic stroke. I took Elder B.F. Johnson and Elder Tanner with me to see him.
He told them that he was told by a great many people that great and notable
miracles were performed by them. The natives told him that there are similar cases
to his, healed by the Mormons. He also told them that he was a Catholic, bred and
born and that it was hard for him to make any promises. They were very cautious
to inform him that the power was not in them but as the Apostles of old they went
forth in the name of Jesus and administered to the sick by the authority of the Holy
Priesthood which God has again restored to the earth. They told him that if the
Church of Rome was true and if the signs follow them that believe that was the
place for him to go, but he acknowledged that they did not. They told him that the
Church of Rome was under a broken covenant and that God did not own her as His
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Appendix A Map/Photos - Lanai

1
Church and that he need not expect any blessings from under their hands and that it
all depended upon his own faithfulness. He wept before them and wanted to know
of our doctrine and wanted Book to read. He manifested a good spirit.

We met this morning at 10 o’clock to teach and instruct our newly organized
Branch. Elder Tanner being the chief spokesman, he being the only one that
understands the language. Indeed it is encouraging to see the spirit that is
manifested among this people that are zealous to learn and understand the Truth.

Met in the afternoon a 2 o’clock. It was expected that they would have brought
their children to have them blessed, but it appeared they had none to bring. Elder
Tanner spoke on the ordinance of blessing children and showed that it was a
blessing to have children. He told them that they must pray that they may have
children. This people have been fast decreasing for number of years. They have
been destroying their own offspring. And it is very few that bring forth children. If
they continue to decrease as they have done for some time back, these islands will
become depopulated. But the day of their visitation has come when they shall
begin to turn back from whence they have come. I think when they have got below
all things the Lord will remember His covenants with Abraham and pour out His
spirit on this people. The prospect is very flattering at present.

After meeting I was called to administer to the sick. I baptized.

Friday the 6th. There were 14 baptized this day and confirmed into the church. I
felt very low in spirits today, being very unwell. I spent the day chiefly in reading.
I feel my mind inactive and am laboring under a very bad cold and my system out
of order, which gives me an unpleasant feeling. Although I can’t do much
preaching (because of the language) I am kept pretty busy running to administer to
the sick and to help to confirm. As Elder Tanner is the only one among us that can
speak the language, it comes hard on him as there is a great deal of teaching and
nursing which has to be done in the native tongue.

On Saturday –7th., the first thing after breakfast, I was called upon to administer to
the sick, a very old man. He said he was old and likewise blind and thought it was
about time for him to die but he believed we were the servants of God and if we
thought that he could live he was reconciled either way. In the afternoon I went to
see the French EX. Council, and was rejoiced to see the spirit he manifested. He
told us that he was greatly disappointed in us for we were very different from what
he expected and he felt very anxious to investigate and to read our Book.

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On Sunday the 8th., the first think in the morning, I had to administer to the sick. It
puts me in mind of the days of the Savior when the people thought if they could
only touch the hem of his garment they would be healed. This people have great
faith in administering to the sick. The Lord will make manifest His power in their
midst.

I attended a meeting at 10: O’clock. E. Kauwaki preached, one of the native elders.
He read the revelation on plurality and showed them that they had read these things
before in the Bible but did not understand it and no one could tell them anything
about it. But now they keys had come and they could unlock these things and
understand. At 2: o’clock in the afternoon we met again and had a good meeting.
The greatest of attention was given and the best of order kept. After meeting there
were twenty seven candidates for baptism. There were hundreds of spectators
looking on. It excites and great curiosity among the people. Elder Johnson and
myself attended to the baptizing after which I was called to administer to the sick.
We felt all to rejoice together after a hard days work.

On Monday the 9th., I spent the forenoon in administering to the sick. In the
afternoon we held a meeting to instruct the native officers.

On Tuesday the 10th., a very wet day. Before noon I administered to 10 sick
persons, objects of great pity. I pray God to pour out his spirit upon them. I went,
this morning to see the French Ex. Council. To see the state of his mind was indeed
encouraging. He told us that he lay awake most all last night meditating upon our
doctrine and the principles that we teach. He is fully satisfied that it is true and has
concluded to be baptized on next Saturday with all his family.

On Wednesday the 11th., I felt very unwell. There were many calls from the sick
but I did not feel fit to administer. There is scarsely [sic] one hour in the day but
there are calls for some of us to visit the sick. The work seems to be increasing
daily, with all the opposition that Satan can control.

On Thursday, 12th., we baptized 9. There was one man that did not walk for 6 or 7
months before. When first we administered to him, he was very low. His limbs all
drawn up and he disturbed all the neighbors with his cries and groans. He told us
that he would have been baptized when first he heard of us. He manifested great
faith and as we administered to him his pains left him right off and in a few days
he got up and today he has walked to the waters of baptism, about one half mile.
He is filled with joy and gladness. It is astonishing, the faith of these people have. I
pray that the spirit of God may be poured out on this people in mighty power. It is
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lamentable to behold the misery and wretchedness, the degredation [sic], sickness
and disease into which this people have fallen. My bowels yearn over them and I
pray God that he will hasten his work and have mercy on these the sons of Jacob;
that they may speedily be brought to a knowledge of the truth and become a clean,
a white, a delightsome people. There is a spirit among them that you will not find
among the gentiles. They are kind and benevolent and have great faith in the
ordinances of God not withstanding all their poverty.

On Friday the 13th., the first thing after breakfast, I was called upon to go and see
the Ex. French Council. We found him in good spirits rejoicing in the truth of our
doctrine. He sends for some of us every day to converse with him. He has been a
man that at one time has carried his head pretty high. He says that the finger of
scorn will be pointed at him, but he doesn’t care for that. There are not less than 20
cases a day that we are called upon to administer and the number keeps increasing
daily. If I don’t preach a good deal, I still find a great deal of business to attend to.
There is not much time for study.

On Saturday the 14th., Brother Wert (Ex. Council from France) came forth and
obeyed the Gospel. This is the second foreigner that has been baptized since I have
been here. I think there are but very few of the foreign population in this place that
will be saved. As far as I can learn the greater part of them have had to run away
from civilization and have made these islands their home or place of refuge to
avoid the justice of the law. All they care for is to get gain and to carry on
drunkenness and prostitution. They have been a curse and not a blessing to these
poor natives.

On Sunday the 15th., I attended meeting in the forenoon at 10: o’clock. Brother
Kauwaki and Brother Earta preached to a very respectful congregation of the
native brethren. A good spirit prevailed. I did not go in the afternoon as Brother
Tanner being not well, I stopped with him. He has been sick for several days
through a severe cold. After meeting was over, I went with them to baptize. There
were 14 candidates that came forth to obey the Gospel. There were hundreds of
spectators to witness the scene. There was good order kept among all except on
Rev. Gentleman that stepped up. He enquired if someone would tell the natives for
him that we were deceivers; he knew all about us; he had come through Salt Lake
Valley. Before we could get across the stream to where he was, he had gone. He
was an emigrant on his way to Australia.

Monday 16 and 17 was chiefly spent administering to the sick. It is heart rending
to see the suffering of these people and the greatest part of it has been through the
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foreigners. I feel sometimes like as if all the strength in my body was gone through
administering so much.

Wednesday 18, we appointed this day to fast and pray in behalf of the sick. We
held a meeting at 10: A.M. Elder Farrer spoke to the people on different subjects
relative to there being so much sickness in their midst and exorted [sic] them to
faithfulness and to live virtuous before the Lord and keep His commandments.
They seem to manifest a good spirit and great sincerity. In the afternoon we met
again. Several of the brethren spoke and prayed. Brother Johnson and myself sang
two hymns in English. I enjoy myself first rate to meet with the native brethren
although I do not understand a great deal that they say.

Thursday 19: I met a man on the street. He shook hands with me and enquired how
we are getting along. I told him that we are getting along very well. He said he was
very glad to hear it. “I know,” said he “that you are persecuted people and I am
glad to see you go ahead. I was in the state of Missouri when your people were
driven from there and know some little about their sufferings.”

He asked me if I would lend him the Book of Mormon. He told me that he did not
belong to any Christian Society. “I am an artist,” said he, “but I am not to [sic]
prejudiced to read your Book. I told that he could have any book that I had in my
possession. He said he had a book that he would like me to read if I would not
destroy it. I told him that I believed in searching all things and proving all things
and holding fast to that which is good. I told him that I was not prejudiced and
would read his book. He loaned me the book and I loaned him the book of
Mormon, The History of the persecution and P.P. Pratt’s Proclamation.

Friday 20: I wrote a letter to Brother Bigler; administered to 5 sick persons. There
are not quite so many calls these last few days. I hope it may continue so. I feel
that it effects [sic] my health very much.

Saturday 21: I wrote a few lines to Brother John Dixon in the Valley, likewise to
Brother Redder A. Allred on Maui, and spent an hour or two with Brother Wert
(French Ex. Consul) conversing about the Latter Day Work.

Sunday 22: At the close of our afternoon meeting, there were 17 come forth for
baptism. There were many hundreds standing by to watch the ceremony. It makes
quite a stir among these people. Some make a mock of it; others say there is
something serious about it; and others say there is something strange that they
cannot comprehend and wish to examine further into it. And like on the day of
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Penticost [sic] many believe our testimony and are baptized. The priests are filled
with tears and dismay and know not what to do. And every effort they make to
oppose the Work of God they only burn their own fingers. The calls for preaching
are increasing daily; the sick are healed, and the poor and needy among men
rejoice. The work of the Lord is rolling forth and none can hinder. This afternoon I
was called to administer to four persons.

Monday 23: After breakfast I was called to administer to the sick and to visit with
them. In the afternoon myself and Bro. Tanner had a short interview with General
Miller, the British Consul. He is very friendly but has not a great deal to say about
Mormonism.

Tuesday 24: I spent most of the day in the house studying my books. There was
some sick called to be administered to. Bro. Lewis and Bro. Tanner baptized nine.
The field opens larger and wider every day.

Wednesday 25: I spent the day in reading and studying my books.

Thursday 26: The first thing in the morning, I was called to administer to a man
that had a sore leg. It was frightful to look on. It made my heart ache to behold
such suffering; to see men and the flesh rot off their bones, which is the case with
many of this people. Such objects of suffering, I never before beheld. When shall
the day come when such scenes of wretchedness and woe shall cease? When, when
shall the day come that sin shall have an end and peace and health and
righteousness cover the Earth? O, Lord hasten on that day when such scenes shall
be hid from our eyes. There were two that came forth for baptism, which was
attended to.

Friday 27: Went and visited some sick and administered to them. The remainder of
day, I spent in studying and reading.

Saturday 28: I was in the house most of the day reading and endeavoring to
acquaint myself with the native language.

Sunday 29: The first thing after breakfast, I was called to administer to the sick. I
then went to meeting. Bro. Kauwahi preached to a very attentive congregation. He
is a native Elder, a member of the legislature, a man of considerable talent and
good learning. There was a good spirit manifested in the meeting. There were 4
candidates came forth for baptism. Not quite as much excitement today as has been
for several weeks back. I baptized four in this place, but there were 18 others
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baptized round the suburbs of the town which makes 22 of us together to hold an
English meeting with the expectation that we might induce some foreigners to
come in. We sang several hymns. I think there were two or three came in. We did
not preach, closed our meeting by prayer and went home giving an appointment to
try it again next Sunday.

Monday 30: Being impressed on my mind by some power or other, I am

determined on leaving this island for a season and go to the island of Hawaii which
is about 280 miles distant, accompanied by Bro. Tanner. I think there is a
Providence in it and that we are dictated by the spirit of God. However the future
will tell for we are in the hands of the Lord and have no other object in view but to
preach the Gospel and do good to the children of men. This is our object. This is
our mission, for which we have left all that is dear to us on earth and I pray God
that no other spirit may have power to lead us but the spirit of our calling.
Tomorrow the vessel will sail at 2 O’clock for Hawaii.

Tuesday 31: The vessel did not sail today as we expected. We have to wait till
tomorrow. We spent the day chatting with the brethren and getting our things ready
for to start. Bro. Dinnes gave us 14 dollars; may God reward him.

Wednesday June 1: At 2 O’clock in the afternoon, we left Honolulu for Hawaii.

There were a great many of the native brethren and sisters came for to see us off.
They manifested a great affection for us and were sorry to part with us. I saw some
with tears running down their cheeks.

On Saturday morning about daylight, June 2, we got to the island of Maui. We had
very disagreeable passage. I never was so sea sick in my life. At 7 o’clock, we
went ashore and called to see Bro. Hammond to get some refreshment as we had
eaten nothing. We felt very feeble. Sister Hammond got us breakfast and after a
good wash we felt very much refreshed. She likewise provided for us a good
dinner. She cooked chicken and made some chicken soup which was the best
medicine we could have on such an occasion. We were then prepared for another
start. We left that same afternoon, June 3.

At 5 O’clock, and on Monday morning, we arrived at the island of Hawaihae

[Hawaii]2where we could get nothing to eat or to drink, and that sick and feeble at
the same time, I could hardly walk. This part of the island is a poor, barren,
miserable place. There are only a few miserable natives living chiefly on fish. My

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Appendix A Map/Photos - Hawaii

7
feelings were very sensitive on this occasion, I could not help but reflect on home.
I thought I could get bread and water enough at any rate but here we could not get
a drink of water. However through the course of this day I fell in with an
Englishman from Cumberland who has resided on these islands for 16 years. I told
him my business and preached to him some little on the first principles of the
Gospel. About sundown he invited us to supper which was very thankfully
received.

The schooner only stopped here to land some freight and we intended to take an
overland trip to Hiloo, the place for which we started, but found it was further than
we expected. Many streams to cross, we did not undertake it. We thought it best to
go aboard the schooner again. We sailed from this place about midnight.

On the 7th., about the middle of the day we had a hard wind. On Wednesday 8th.,
we had a heavy gale of wind right ahead all the time. With a very heavy sea and
our vessel being very small which made us very sick. On Thursday morning the
9th., it was no better, it continues to blow a heavy head wind. We have been now
two days and two nights and have not made more than twenty miles. This morning
we had to turn about and put back for some place of shelter and wait until we get a
better wind. We run before the wind for about 3 hours and then came to a little bay
where we cast anchor. We soon afterward put out the small boat and went ashore.

When I landed I could hardly walk up the beach, my limbs fairly trembled with
weakness having not eaten anything since Monday night, now it is Thursday. Soon
we were surrounded by a lot of natives—poor and miserable—to all appearance.
We felt that nature was almost exhausted. I thought of home and wished I only had
the buttermilk I have seen thrown in the swill tub. We could get nothing to eat or to
drink except some poi that the natives eat. My stomach was so weak and sick that
it would not admit of that food. However we found some chickens and bought two
and went to work to cook them. This was very difficult for want of fire, but we got
them cooked and had a good supper of boiled chickens after which we felt greatly
refreshed.

In all this we have to acknowledge the providence and goodness of God toward us
in bringing us to this place. We were not here long before we were informed that
there was a native brother, a Mormon, living in this settlement. He was sent for. He
came to see us and invited us to come down to his house. We went and stopped
with him that night. Great many, through the course of the evening, came to hear
us and to ask questions about our church. We have an interpreter with us, a native
Elder. He is a very smart and intelligent native and can handle the scriptures well.
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We appointed a meeting for tomorrow morning the first thing.

Friday 10: Before we had got up they had commenced to gather. We soon opened
our meeting by prayer and singing. Elder Kahumoku preached to a very attentive
and well behaved congregation of natives. At the close of the meeting there were
25 candidates came forth for baptism which was attended to before breakfast. In
the afternoon, we appointed another meeting to attend to confirming and
instructing them on these principles. They all felt to rejoice in the gospel which we
teach. There were 25 baptized and confirmed this day in the Church of Jesus
Christ.

Saturday 11: We had another meeting this morning about 5 O’clock. Elder
Kahumoku preached. After the meeting 2 came forth for baptism. Some of the
natives say that God caused a strong head wind to blow us into this place to preach
the gospel to them. When the Capt. Of the Schooner heard of us baptizing a good
many, he said that was the reason he had to put into this place, because he had 3
Jonahs on board and they had to be landed here. Indeed I believe the hand of the
Lord is in it—in causing us to have been driven to this place. This is the extreme
north point of the island of Hawaii, the district of Kohala.

While traveling this morning through the settlements and neighborhood of this
place, along the sea coast, I was reminded of the sayings of the Prophets: when
God would send out fishers and then hunters to hunt out Israel out of the dens and
caves of the earth and holes of the rocks. Indeed the sons of Jacob are to be found
here in the holes of the rocks and the spirit of God is at work with them.

As we were returning back to our stopping place, we were saluted by a call at some
distance—perhaps some 10 or 15 rods from us--. We were informed it was the
chief calling us. We went up to his house and were invited in with all the
friendship managable [sic]. He had heard some little about the Mormons before but
could not tell what they were and wished for to hear them here. Said he had great
joy in seeing us and hearing us talk. He invited us to eat but we had just been
eating. However he brought us some milk which is the first treat of milk which I
have had since I have left home. He manifested a good spirit and said he would
come to hear us preach tomorrow. He also said for to come there and eat while we
stopped in this place. We were very glad of the invitation as the native food is no
that of the best quality.

Sunday 12: We held a meeting at 10 O’clock. The house was crowded to excess. A
more sincere and attentive congregation I never saw. At the close o the meeting 4
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came forth for baptism which was attended to. This Chief was there also as he
promised and nothing would do but we must go right to his place and preach. We
gave an appointment to preach at his place at 1 O’clock which we tended to
forthwith. There was a good gathering and Elder Kauhumoku [sic] preached an
hour and a half. They seem to rejoice very much with our doctrine and say it is like
the Bible. At the close of the meeting we gave out an appointment for tomorrow
morning for a meeting at 8 O’clock and would attend to baptizing those that were
ready to obey the gospel. After meeting supper was prepared for us. It consisted of
goat’s milk, molasses, fish, sweet potatoes, and poi which was a great treat to us
notwithstanding the milk was strained through a stocking.

Monday 13: We met at the house of Mr. Nape, the Chief, according to
appointment. When we got there he had a kid prepared for us for breakfast. Soon
afterwards we commenced our meeting after which there were four came forth for
baptism, which was attended to. The Chief was one of the number. We confirmed
them by the water’s side and then retired to the house and spent the forenoon
instructing them in the principles of the gospel. After dinner we left to attend
another appointment where we baptized 8 which makes 12 we have baptized this
day. This people are very kind and affectionate and believing, more so than any
people I have ever seen according to the abilities they have. But they require a
great deal of teaching.

Tuesday 14: This morning the Schooner left here. The whispering of the spirit to us
was to tarry here for a while, how long I do not know. But I pray to my Father
which is in heaven always that I may know the voice of his good spirit and walk
according to its dictates. He that walks humble and prayerful before the Lord shall
surmount every difficulty and the path of his duty will be made plain before him. I
do feel to praise my God for every manifestation of His providence to me. I spent a
good deal of this day in reading, in the afternoon we baptized 2. This evening I
wrote a letter to Bro. Hammond on Maui.

Wednesday 15th.: I stopped in the house this forenoon, reading. I could not help
but pour out my soul to God in behalf of this people. To see the kindness they
manifest to us in bringing their fish and potatoes—the best they have got. This
afternoon we met according to appointment to organize a branch. The meeting was
opened with singing and prayer and then proceeded to business. We ordained 3
priests, 3 teachers, and 2 deacons. As they are somewhat scattered we proposed
dividing the district into two branches. I never saw a people feel better in my life.
They manifested much of the spirit of God. We all felt well. In the evening, some
of the natives spent an hour or two with us teaching us to speak the native
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language.

Thursday 16: We remained in the house all day studying the language. The natives
feel very anxious for us to learn. They take a great deal of pains to teach us. In the
afternoon a number of the brethren met together and we held a meeting and much
of the spirit of God was in our midst. I never saw people in my life express more
joy and sincerity than this people do. Bro. Nape—he is a man of some note among
the natives. He is a chief and is rich—as soon as he obeyed the Gospel, he received
a letter from his Priest, the Rev., Mr. Bond of the Calvinist Order. The letter stated
that he (Mr. Bond) was acquainted with the Mormons in America and said that we
are a very bad people; we were thieves and robbers and everything else that was
bad. Bro. Nape answered him back, “I won’t believe a word you say. I would not
come back if you were to entreat me with tears running to the ground. I have been
fed on your sour milk long enough. These men preach the same as the Bible
teaches and I know it is true.” This is the import of the answer he sent the priest.

This people have great faith in the Bible. It is the only book they have been taught
to read and there are some great scriptorians among them. And when the principles
of the Gospel are preached to them in simplicity they receive them with all their
hearts. Let the devil have his due, the missionaries have done some good. They
have taught this people to read and write. There are some smart scholars among
them, so far so good. At the close of meeting this afternoon there was one
candidate for baptism, which was attended to.

Friday 17th., The first thing this morning, we were informed by a school teacher of
the Rev. Bond’s that he (Mr. Bond) held a meeting yesterday; and expressed great
fears of his members all leaving him and turning to the Mormons. He made
proposals to them (his teachers) that those who now pay $30.00 per year should
now pay him only $10.00 and all the rest in proportion to what they pay; that is
reducing. And so it is with all the priests of this people. They fear us worse than
they do the Almighty. They find that their craft is in danger. I must acknowledge
they have some wit. They hold their peace. What they do is in secret. They dare not
come out before the public. They are aware that they have sharp edged tools to
handle and are afraid of cutting their fingers.

We received a letter from Elder Johnson this morning informing us of his receiving
three letters from home. It made our hearts rejoice to hear of the work of the Lord
advancing so in the valleys of the mountains and to hear of the foundation of the
Temple being laid on the 6th., of April. Our feelings were—“Glory to God in the
highest.” And my prayer is: O, Lord, make bare thy arm in the midst of the nations;
11
save thy people, Israel; burst their bonds asunder and let the captives go free. May
they be speedily brought to a knowledge of the Truth and know Thee, the only
living and true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.

It appears that the spirit of the world is to have a railroad—a railroad to the great
Pacific. O, Lord, roll on thy work; cast up a highway before thy people that Israel
may be gathered from the ends of the earth and that Zion in the midst may become
mighty and terrible as an army with banners.

We spent this day studying the native language and reading, as we perused the
“Emigration Guide”, a paper from Kainsville. I felt to rejoice to learn the spirit of
the Times. It appears the great topic is to put a railroad through to the Pacific all
goes to show the great work of the last days and to fulfill the sayings of the
prophets respecting the gathering of Israel. We held a meeting this afternoon. Elder
Kahumoku preached and Priest Paul. There was a good spirit in the meeting.

Saturday 18: After breakfast we went and spent the day with Bro. Nape, reading
and expounding the scriptures.

Sunday 19: This morning, at 10:00 O’clock, we held a meeting at Bro. Nape’s. It is
about twenty rods distance from Rev. Mr. Bond’s meeting house. Before our
meeting was closed Bond’s congregation all came in and manifested a disposition
as if they wanted to hear. Elder Kahumoku reopened the meeting and delivered a
discourse on the first principles of the Gospel, which was very attentively listened
to. There seems to be a moving of the waters. After meeting, we baptized one,
there were a great many spectators. The people say that we teach like the Bible and
believe what we say. But a great many of them are afraid of the missionaries
(leaders of other faiths that are established in the Islands) and are backward to obey
the Gospel, so great is the influence they are under. But the Lord is at work among
the people and Mormonism is getting to be the topic among the Islands. You can’t
go any where or turn any corner but your ears are saluted with “Mamona”, the
native word for Mormon. The priests say this is the mammon spoken of in the
scriptures which is one of their great weapons.

Elder Kahumoku is our spokesman. We sent him this afternoon to fill another
appointment after which he baptized 11 and John Kalama, a native priest, baptized
one in another place making 13 that have been added to the Church this day.

Monday 20: I spent the forepart of the day in writing because I fell in with a
Scotchman that is casting around the Island. He is going direct to the coast of
12
California and I thought I would improve the opportunity and send some letters by
him. I wrote a lengthy letter to Bro. Evans (no doubt this is the same Bro. Evans
who served for so many years as Bishop in Lehi and to whom Thos. Karren was
counselor until his death) on Dry Creek. In the afternoon I attended a meeting to
bless children.

Tuesday 21: I spent all that day in writing. I wrote four letters to my wife and
children.

Wednesday 22: The first thing this morning, we received fresh news from
Honolulu by a schooner that stopped here to land some passengers, which informs
us of the small pox making great havoc in that place. Two to three hundred have
been slain by the hand of the destroyer through that plague, since we left, which is
only about three weeks. It is very fatal in every case with a very few exceptions. It
rejoices me to see the faith of the saints and the power of God that is made
manifest in their midst. I have not heard of any deaths among the Brethren as yet
although there have been cases. All the aid they want is to have the Elders
administer to them. I never saw as much faith in my life among any people as there
is manifested among these natives. One of the native Elders has petitioned the
government—signed by all the members—to grant them the privilege of their own
doctors. They want to medical men near them. All they want is the Elders of the
Church of Jesus Christ to administer to them and to pray with them, anointing them
in the name of the Lord. They believe in the sayings of James.

When the small pox first made its appearance, there was an act passed—that every
affected person should be taken to the hospital and certain doctors appointed to
take care of them. And also a fine of five dollars if they neglected to be vaccinated.
But the plague is becoming fearful and spreading death and devastation on every
hand. I suppose they are willing to grant the saints their request.

Priest Smith, when he was accused by some of his members for not doing as the
Mormons did—telling that they did like the Bible—said it was all right and went to
work and laid his hands on some of them. So it is with the doctors, they have
commenced anointing with oil saying it is the best cure for the smallpox; seeing
the Mormons are very successful in their administrations. It is now as it has been in
all ages of the world they will [a ] to anything before the truth. I suppose they think
because we use oil in our administrations that it is the medicine through which the
sick are healed. O, how dark is the mind of man.

Thursday 23: This morning we started to travel and to hunt up new places to
13
preach in. This place we have been laboring in this last fortnight is a poor
miserable one, and are not able to keep us. There is not a morsel of wood to cook a
potato for us neither is there a drop of fresh water that we can get to drink. There is
nothing of any description that grows here. The natives live on fishing all together.
We have had pretty hard times since being here. There is nothing but a sense of
duty that would induce us to stop here and that of the strictest sort. Our living is
not only poor and dirty but is very scanty at that. We can hardly get enough at
times to sustain nature and a great deal of the food that we do get, nothing but
hunger would induce us to eat it. Yesterday morning Bro. Tanner and myself got
one sweet potato for our breakfast. We felt satisfied. We knew it was the best they
had and all they had. That was all we had that day. At night we got some hard poi
that was half rotten and mouldy. Hunger compelled us to eat, but I’ll assure you it
was very little. No one knows the [ ] of feelings that we have to endure at times.
Only they that have passed through the same experience can have any idea. After
all they treat us with the best they know how. When we see the kind disposition
they manifest toward us, we can’t help but sympathize for them. Our hearts are
moved with compassion for them. We feel to endure all privations that we may
with them to Christ.

After traveling 5 or 6 miles this morning, we came to a house where a native Bro.
lived. He kindly invited us in. The house was small. We had to stoop on our knees
to get in. He got dinner for us which consisted of pork and poi and some fruit. I felt
greatly refreshed as I was very weak before. He invited us to call again. When we
came back and stopped over night with him, he would not have the people of that
place to meeting. We traveled a few miles father and put up for the night.

Friday 24: Very wet and stormy this morning. After breakfast of calf and poi, we
were ready for another start but beings so wet we did not leave until about noon.
We traveled some 4 or 5 miles and put up for the day. It happened to be a Sister
Mormon’s house—her husband was a Calvinist—but we were warmly received.
She went to work and prepared a good supper for us. While waiting for supper the
children came in and treated us to lots of apples which was a very good fruit. They
are not like our home apples. They are more like pears, but very red. This country
looks a little more natural than it has been for some time back. You will find a little
water and some small groves of shrubbery which has a very pretty appearance. We
spent a good night here and were well refreshed.

14
 Saturday 25: This morning we had a good
breakfast of milk and poi which was a
choice dish to us. We then left and traveled
about 2 miles and came to a very deep
valley, called the valley of Pololu. It is
situated on the sea coast and has a very
singular appearance. You can’t see it until
you are right perpendicularly over it. We
commenced to descend a winding path
about three fourths of a mile long. My legs
were very tired before I got to the bottom. This valley is no larger than a common
sized farm and there are no less than one hundred natives living in it. When we
first made our appearance among them, we were looked upon as some strange
beings that had come from the upper worlds. We were received very coldly. The
Catholic and Calvinist influence is very strong in this place. They have been
instructed and ordered against the Mormons. However we spent the day trying to
get an opening to preach. Everything seemed very dark. I felt myself like as if the
heavens were brass; everything was discouraging. The people were poor and
miserable and no signs for anything to eat. We persevered and got to preach to a
few in the afternoon after which there were 8 came forth for baptism. I could not
help but feel condemned for my littleness of faith. However we felt greatly
encouraged and gave an appointment to preach tomorrow morning at 10 O’clock.

Sunday 26: The first thing after breakfast the people commenced to gather. I felt to
pour out my soul before God in prayer in behalf of this people; that His spirit may
bear down on them that they may know the voice of the Good Shepherd. Elder
Kahumoku spoke one hour and a half. He spoke with power. The spirit of God
rested upon him. It appeared that every mouth was opened and every eye steadfast.
They never heard the like before. One man said that he never knew there was
anything required of him in the Bible but to pay the priest and quit smoking. That
is the most of the teaching they have ever heard. After meeting there were 20 came
forth for baptism, which was attended to forthwith. We held a meeting again at 1
O’clock, after which we baptized 2. We also ordained two teachers and one deacon
and gave an appointment for next Sabbath to organize a branch and an invitation
for all the neighborhood to come and hear us.

Monday 27: We left to return to our stopping place which is about 15 miles. We
had not traveled more than 2 or 3 miles when up came a constable and put a
summons into our hands. We were to appear before the district judge to stand trial
for disturbing one of their schools which was a false accusation. However it will
15
have a good tendency. It will preach a loud sermon. Before we got the court hose
we were being escorted by 4 or 5 hundred people. It put me in mind when I have
seen marriages go through town. The court house was crowded to excess and every
eye was upon us. The charges that had been laid against us were proven false. We
are to have a rehearing on next Friday. We have traveled some 15 miles today and
very poor feed. We had only a little potato and salt for breakfast. We plucked some
sugar cane on the wayside and ate. After traveling that distance—when we got to
our stopping place—the best they could give us was poi and salt.

Tuesday 25: This morning we fared very well. We got fish and poi for breakfast. I
find no fault with the people. I feel to bless them. They do the best they know how
if they had better we would get it. This day I remained in the house and applied
myself chiefly to reading and study.

Wednesday 29: This morning I wrote a letter to Bro. Dennis in Honolulu. The
remainder part of the day I spent in visiting the brethren.

Thursday 30: This morning after we had refreshed ourselves with a little poi and
salt we started for the upper country to fill our previous appointment. I felt weak
and unfit for traveling. Just as we were starting, up comes a native with some
bananas to sell. As fortune would have it, Bro. Tanner had 25¢ which enabled us to
purchase a few. I felt encouraged and very thankful. We started with fresh courage.
We traveled a very short distance and put up for the night at a little native hut. We
were very kindly treated. He is a Bro. in the Church. He went to work and cooked
us a chicken. We had a good supper and felt first rate. We retired to rest for the
night Indian fashion as we lay on mats on the ground.

Friday July 1: This morning I feel very unwell at my stomach. Breakfast was
prepared for us which consisted of a few cold sweet potatoes and a small morsel of
fish. I sat down o n the mat with rest of the company but my stomach would not
admit of any food. We then started to attend to our previous appointment before
the judge for disturbing the school. No charges were laid against us be we were
fined 1 dollar cost. We then went on to the valley of Pololu where we were very
warmly received and got some fish and poi to eat which is the first I have eat
today. After being refreshed and rested a little we left for another little valley
called Honokane which is about a mile distant. There is only one way to get into
this valley and that is at low water. It is a bold shore all along and at high water the
waves dash furiously up against the rocks.

It is very difficult to get there at any time it is only lately that the natives are able to
16
travel from one valley to another without swimming. That is owing to a great
landslide which has happened lately and filled up the water so that we are able to
climb over. It is almost frightful to pass from one valley to another. The shore is
not only perpendicular but it is undermined with the washing of the sea and is
frightful to look at. I was caught by one of the breakers as I was passing around a
point of rocks and got wet nearly to my middle; “Behold I will send forth many
fishers, saith the Lord and they shall fish them and afterward I shall send forth
many hunters and they shall hunt them from the mountains and from every hill and
out of the holes of the rocks.” I have seen these predictions of Jeremiah literally
fulfilled in this place. I don’t know where nor when nor how it came to be but
surely the sons of Jacob are here living in the holes of the rocks and in the
mountains and in the hills and they have the gospel preached unto them and my
obey its mandates.

Saturday, July 2: We were very kindly received in this valley and treated to the
very best they have. There were 12 came forth for baptism this day which makes
forty we have baptized in this valley. They formerly belonged to the Calvinist and
Catholic. There are only two members left that belong to the Catholics and 5 to the
Calvinists and some 4 or 5 belonging to no church. This is a very small valley and
only contains about one hundred souls all together. I think as a general rule they
will receive the Gospel. They manifest a good spirit. We shall stop here for a short
time, until the spirit dictates otherwise. They are some little better off here than
where we have been stopping this last month.

This morning Bro. Tanner and myself undertook to ascend the mountains, in
search of some apples, which we found to be very difficult before we got to the
top. However we succeeded and got up and it presented a very beautiful scene, the
sea roaring in on each side. We traveled about one mile on the top of this ridge
which in many places was not wide enough for a foot path. Then we sat us down
on a rock to rest. The place being retired, we poured forth our souls in supplication
and prayer to our God. We implored his aid and assistance and prayed in behalf of
our friends and families. We afterward returned back and began to descend the
mountain into the valley. As we found it difficult to go up, we found it far worse to
come down. There was a little rain which made the ground very slippery. It was
not only difficult be very dangerous. However I got down after some little exertion.
Bro. Tanner gave out when he got a little more than half way. He said he durst not
come any farther. One of the natives had to go up and help him down. I think we
will not forget apple hunting very soon.

Sunday 3: This morning I went to Pololu to fill the appointment given last Sunday
17
along with Bro. Kahumoku. Bro Tanner is unwell and not able to go. We had a
very good meeting. The spirit of the Lord rested upon the speaker and the people.
At the close of the meeting there were 12 came forth for baptism and 4 in the
afternoon. The kingdom of God is rolling ahead and is gaining influence in all
these islands.

Monday 4: I spent the forepart of the day writing and in the afternoon studying the
language.

Tuesday 5: We met according to a previous appointment in the valley of Honokane

to organize a branch. The meeting was called to order—opened by singing and
prayer. Elder Tanner was nominated President of the meeting, Thos. Karren and
Elder Kahumoku his counselors. There were 2 priests, 2 teachers, 2 deacons
ordained. Elder Kahumoku spoke a lengthy discourse on the duty of officers. There
was much of the spirit of God in the meeting. The people were all filled with joy
and gladness after the meeting was over. One was baptized, which makes this
branch 60 members.

Thursday 7: Being the first Thursday of the month, we kept this day as fast day.
The brethren met together to fast and pray that they might be delivered from the
hands of the destroyer. Death and devastation are spreading through the land.
About 8 hundred have died within the month through smallpox.

Friday 8: This day I spent in the house studying the language. We have to labor
under a great disadvantage, not being able to speak in our own tongue to the people
yet; notwithstanding all this the work of the Lord is rolling forth with great
rapidity.

Saturday 9: The forepart of the day I spent in studying and reading. In the
afternoon Elder Rice called to see us. He had been hunting for us for 3 weeks
before he found us. He concluded we were not on the Island. He wrote a letter to
Honolulu to know if the schooner was not lost that we left in. It was a source of joy
and gladness to me to meet with one of our brethren in the ministry. We have been
here for some time as exiles, shut up from all communication with our brethren,
among the rocks and dens and caves of the mountains hunting up Israel. He also
brought us three letters from the brethren in Honolulu which were comforting to
our hearts. He also brought a short extract of the 9th general Epistle form the First
Presidency at Salt Lake City, which made my heart rejoice and praise God in the
Highest. I hear testimony that the same spirit that the Epistle brought was felt long
before we heard it. And notwithstanding all the opposition and evil spirits and
18
powers of darkness which we have had to contend against, the work of the Lord is
rolling forth majestically and in might power. Since the 1st of April the work of the
Lord has most miraculously gone ahead.

Saturday night I had an attack of choleramorbus for about twelve hours which left
me very weak the next day.

Sunday 10: This morning Elder Kahumoku returned to us from an appointment

which he had attended and baptized 10. We had preaching twice today. At the
close of the afternoon meeting there were 3 baptized.

Monday 11: This morning we left Upolu for Pololu. I felt weak and unfit for
traveling. When we got to Pololu we were very kindly received and got a young
roast pig for supper and some good poi, which was a great treat.

Tuesday 12: This morning after breakfast, Bro. Rice and myself went up to the foot
of the mountains to hunt some fruit which we very early found to gratify our wants
at the present. I brought my pockets full down to Bro. Tanner and afterwards went
to the valley of Honokane. The brethren were rejoiced to see us. In the afternoon
we held a meeting and had a good time.

Wednesday 13: This afternoon we received a summons to appear before the Judge
of the District Court of Kohala, next Friday being charged for breaking the
Sabbath. Elder Kahumoku left us 2 or 3 days ago to preach at a certain place. He
left on Saturday night to return to us in a Canoe, it being the best way of
conveyance. But owing to a strong headwind he did not get to us until early
Sunday morning. This is the awful crime that is alleged against him for breaking
the Sabbath. I think the people are just as holy now as they were in the days of the
Savior when they accused him for plucking ears of corn on the Sabbath. In this, the
devil whets a knife to cut his own throat for instead of weaking [sic] our influence
it increases it four fold. This afternoon we held a meeting. Elder Kahumoku
preached. There was a good spirit in the meeting. There were two candidates came
forth for baptism.

Thursday July 14: being a stormy day—heavy wind and rain all forepart of day. In
the afternoon we held a meeting to teach and instruct our young brethren the duties
of their calling.

Friday 15: We had to attend court, which is the distance of about 6 miles, to stand
trial for the awful crime of breaking the Sabbath because Elder Kahumoku
19
happened to return to us in a canoe on Sunday morning. When the witness was
examined he stated that the canoe was loaded with freight. This freight proved to
be nothing but a few small fish and a little poi that he had for to eat besides the
Holy Bible. The Judge said that he would consider the matter over and have a
rehearing some other time. We told him that we should not pay anymore regard to
his calls which were illegal and contrary to any law; but should appeal to the
British and American Consul for our rights and privileges the same as any other
religious sect. All these petty law suits are caused through the missionaries. If they
had the power they would speedily banish us from these Islands.

Saturday 16: Spent the day in reading and study. In the afternoon I went to
administer to a sick man who has been sick for 2 years and has been confined in
the house for seven months. This is the second time we have administered to him.
Yesterday he was out and walked about considerable. He thinks he can soon walk
to the waters of baptism.

Sunday 17: We preached twice in the valley of Pololu.3 At the close of the
forenoon session there were 3 came forth for baptism. A good spirit prevailed
among the people. The spirit of inquiry is increasing and spreading far; and fast
over all these Islands. The priests don’t know what to do. They are spuing [sic] out
all their filth against us but to no effect. Every effort they make to frustrate the
work of the Lord only tends to the rolling forth of the Kingdom of God.

Monday 18: We attended a meeting in the Valley of Honokane, after which we

baptized 2.

Tuesday 19: I spent the day in writing letters to my brethren in Honolulu. I have
been deprived of this opportunity for some time.

Wednesday 20: A very wet and stormy day. I remained in the house all day and
applied myself to reading and study. Brother Rice left us this morning for
Honolulu, accompanied by a native Brother, to attend to some business relative to
our little difficulties here, caused through the missionaries which are false and
contrary to the laws of the nation. We have appealed to the British and American
Consuls for protection and our rights.

Thursday 21: A very wet and stormy day. I applied myself to study and reading.

3
Appendix A Map/Photos – Pololu, Honokane, Waipio Valleys

20
Friday 22 and Saturday 23: I gave myself to study and reading. This morning,
Elder Kahumoku, our Spokesman left us for a few days to attend to some
appointments. May God bless him and pour out his spirit upon him is my prayer;
that he may be a might instrument in the hands of the Lord of bringing many of His
people to a knowledge of the truth.

Sunday July 24: I could not help but reflect on home this morning as this is the
anniversary (sixth) of the Pioneers in the Valleys of the Mountains. Knowing it is a
time of rejoicing among the Saints I cannot help feeling lonesome. I am on the
Island of Hawaii at the same time an exile for the Truth, among a people that I
cannot talk to, but very little, whose manners and habits are that of the lover of
greed. I can somewhat realize the situation of the Saints this day and better
appreciate it than I ever did before. I do not feel to murmur or complain although
we do have some dark and gloomy times. It needs to be that there should be an
opposite in all things. If we were not deprived of our friends and of our Homes;
and all that is most dear to us we would not know how to appreciate them. All
these little trials and privations will only sweeten the cup of our happiness and
prepare us for a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory if we only endure
faithful to the end. It is hard for me to mingle with this people. In order to get at
them, you have to eat and to drink and to sleep and to partake of all their filth
which is very trying and humiliating to my feelings. However I am willing to
become anything or nothing that I may win them to Christ and save them in the
kingdom of God. I know they are the sons of Jacob and the blood of Israel flows
through their veins; notwithstanding their low degraded condition they are warm-
hearted and affectionate and treat us the best they know how. We can’t help but
love them in beholding their simplicity. Although their manners are disgusting we
have our times of rejoicing and the lord blesses our labors. Many are receiving our
testimony and obey the gospel.

We attended meeting twice to day; in the valley of Pololu where we attended to

blessing children and baptized 1 and in the Valley of Honokane (which is 1 mile
distant) the young priests, teachers, and deacons are very anxious to learn. They
have meeting mostly every afternoon and are very diligent in searching the
scriptures.

Monday 25: Myself and brother Tanner, felling somewhat lonesome and having
nothing very particular on hand and knowing no one we could unbosom [sic] our
feelings to, took a walk this morning up the valley to hunt some fruit. We were
accompanied by several young natives who were very diligent in waiting upon us.
They were very active in running up the trees. All we had to do was to sit down
21
and eat. They reverence us very much and do the best for us they know.

This evening, Elder Kahumoku—our interpreter—returned. He had preached

several times and the people believed his doctrine but he had not baptized any.
They want us to come although we cannot preach they want us to be there. This
evening we attended meeting which they do every day either early in the forenoon
or in the afternoon. It is amusing to see the women bring us the fruit. One will have
a bunch of bananas, another a stick of sugar cane, and another will have some
apples. Indeed we cannot help but bless them when we behold their warm feelings
and simplicity.

Tuesday 26: We held a meeting this morning before breakfast. These brothers and
sisters are very zealous and anxious to learn. We feel sometimes discouraged
because we cannot communicate our feelings to them only second handed. This
morning after meeting our Speaker was taken sick; having taken a very severe cold
through exposing himself the night before. This people are very imprudent in
regards to taking care of themselves. We administered to him but it did not have
the desired effect. He kept getting worse all day. I spent the greater part of the day
in study and reading.

Wednesday 27: The brethren met, this morning, soon after 4 O’clock and as Bro.
Kahumoku was a great deal worse, we were requested to hold a prayer meeting and
beseech the Lord in his behalf. We also appointed this day for a fast day, but all to
no effect. Myself and Bro. Tanner cried unto the Lord in his behalf. We also
appointed this day for a fast day, but all to no effect. Myself and B ro. Tanner cried
unto the Lord in his behalf. But all had failed. Everything was dark, the heavens
appeared as brass. Our prayers seemed to bound back upon us, the reason why—
we know not. The Lord only knows. About 2 O’clock he departed this life. It
appears that he had a special call to go the world of spirits to preach to his people
there. He is the first of his nation that has gone into the spirit world with the
priesthood upon him. He was faithful to his calling and did not shun to declare the
Gospel of the Son of God as far as he knew how. His labors were unwavering by
night and by day. A more faithful young man I never knew. His character was
unimpeachable. Ever since he came into the Church (he has only been in the
Church a little over three months) it may be said of him he left all and followed
Christ. He gave himself wholly to the ministry. It was his joy and his delight, his
meat and his drink to win souls into the kingdom of God. We mourn and lament
his loss.

We did the best we knew how and all we could. He had finished his work here and
22
is called to act in another sphere. On Tuesday morning the 26th of July, he
preached (about 6 O’clock, A.M.) After meeting he asked Bro. Tanner and myself
to administer to him. We laid our hands on him and he was all of a tremble like one
having the ague. He then went to bed. I did not pay much attention to him that day.
He did not say anything nor ask for anything. In the afternoon he appeared to be a
great deal worse this called our attention. We prayed for him and administered to
him but it did not appear to do him any good. He was sick 32 hours—from the time
he preached until he closed his eyes in death. During which time he never made a
complaint nor said his suffering was great. I never witnessed the like before. It did
not appear like death. He appeared like a man falling asleep without a struggle. His
appearance was unchanged. He looked as natural as life. He has laid down his life
in the field like a soldier of Christ and his work will follow him. He has laid the
foundation of a work that will stand to the winding up scene. His name will be had
in honorable remembrance among his people and among the saints of God.

Thursday 28: The first ting this morning, we made preparations to deposit the last
remains of our much lamented Brother John W. Kahumoku. We buried him as
decen [sic] as we could under the circumstances, although without a coffin. It was
out of our power to furnish a coffin. We are out of the reach of lumber or anything
else. Notwithstanding all our inconvenience we buried him very comfortable in a
good stone vault.

This was a time of much lamentation and sorrow among the brethren. Indeed it was
a time darkness with us all. He was our spokesman and interpreter. Here we were
among a people that we could not talk to, to comfort them on so solemn occasion
as this. But the will of the Lord be done. We are in His hands as clay in the hands
of the potter, to do with us as seemeth Him good. It is the Lord’s work and who
can hinder. I pray that I may so live that the Lord may work through me to the
salvation of many on these Islands.

This evening at early candlelight, we ordained Daniel Kaiwi an Elder in the

Church. We also ordained three priests: Tucmana, Puoanui, Kuanaana (Ku-a-na-a-
na).

Friday 29: We left Honokane this morning for Waiemea to see the Governor of this
island. This is a distance of about 25 miles, to attend to some business relative to
our little law difficulty. The devil will not be still and let us alone. He will keep
tormenting us. I suppose he thinks his time is short. We traveled, this day, through
a very rough and mountainous country—uphill all the way—and not many places
to call for refreshments. However we met a poor native in the mountains who
23
invited us into his hut to eat. We went in and sat down on the mats and refreshed
ourselves with some poi and salt, the best the poor old man had. We preached
some to him on the first principles of the Gospel and left him.

After we had traveled about 15 miles we were thoroughly informed that the Gov.
was not at Waiemea and that we would not get to see him. We proposed going no
further. There was a white man living close by. We were told that he would not
entertain strangers and that his character was not very good. Bro. Tanner said that
he was the very man that we wanted to see; says he, “character not very good—he
may be a good man for that”--. We went to his house and found him in a bad state
of health. He invited us in and ordered supper to be got ready for u s. He also
invited us to stop all night, which was very pleasing to our feelings. We were very
tired and hungry. Such an invitation was very acceptable. We got a good supper of
beef and Irish potatoes and butter and a good dish of tea and a table to eat off. This
is the first human appearance I have seen for two months.

We preached a good deal to him. He had no fault to find with our doctrine only the
principle of plurality. That he could not receive. He treated us well and gave us a
warm invitation to call again whenever we came that way.

Saturday July 30: As soon as I awoke this morning, Bro. Tanner said to me, “Bro.
Karren, we shall get some news today. I know through the dream I had last night.”
About 5 O’clock we got up and went out to the creek to wash ourselves. There
were 2 men on horseback came up to us and informed us where there was a letter
for us. They were two foreigners—strangers to me. I could hardly believe that the
letter was for us as they could not tell the name. However we were very anxious to
know and returned back and quick as possible. We found the letter was for us from
Bro. Harmond at Lahaina. It was very greedily read as we were very hungry for
news. We are deprived of the privilege of holding regular correspondence with our
brethren on the different islands. It makes it very lonesome and disagreeable to us.
This letter brings us news from Honolulu which is very pitiful. The smallpox is
still raging most seriously. From the first of June to the 26th., there are about one
thousand that have died of that plague. There are 5 or 6 often found dead in one
house. The dogs are known to drag the dead through the streets of Honolulu.

In the midst of all this calamity the saints of God have been preserved most
miraculously. We can only learn of one death among all the brethren. Bro. Lewis
and Bro. Farrer were barbously [sic] attacked one day when going to administer to
the sick. Bro. Lewis was knocked down and then kicked. Bro. Farrer got his coat
tore and was struck once or twice. The devil is mad because the saints won’t take
24
the doctor’s medicines. This is what Bro. Lewis has been accused of. They say he
is going through the streets of Honolulu with his sleeves rolled up and a bottle of
oil in his hand and that he tells the people to throw all the doctor’s drugs away.
Bro. Farrer; being an Englishman, has appealed to General Miller—the English
Consul—for redress. Gen. Miller told him if the proper authorities did not take his
case in hand and do him justice that he would take the case in hand and attend to it.

Sunday 31: A very wet and stormy day. We did not go out anywhere today. We
held two meetings where we are stopped. There was a very good spirit in the
meetings. The brethren felt well.
Monday August 1st 1853 I wrote Bro. Ham a letter on the island of Maui. We held
a meeting the first thing this morning. We afterward administered to a woman and
child that was very sick and immediately after got well; spent the after part of the
day reading.
Tuesday 2nd: very wet and stormy. Spent the day chiefly in writing.
Wednesday, 3rd: A very wet and stormy day. In the afternoon we left the valley of
Holocaine which is only 1 mile apart and only one way to get to it and that is at
low water along the beach. When the water is high there is no passing. As myself
and Bro. Tanner were rather tired at this time we found it rather difficult. I was
caught in a breaker as I was passing a cropping of rocks, was knocked down and
ran a great risk of being buried. Bro. Tanner got very wet also. This being on the
windier side of the island the waves are very high and it is dangerous to pass at the
same time.
Thursday 4th. We held a meeting first thing in the morning then left for Upolu; on
our way we called to see a man by the name of Naihi. He is one of the lower order
of chiefs. He was very kind to us and treated us well. He gave us dinner and
treated us to some pine apples, which is a most delicious fruit. He believes our
doctrine and manifested a very good spirit. He very warmly invited us to call
again in the afternoon. We held a meeting at Upolu, the death of Elder Katumaker
is lamented very much among the brethren.
Friday 5th. This morning Bro. Rice and myself left Upolu for Koki to open a new
field of labor. It was a very unpleasant day for traveling. We got very wet and
fatigued before we got to our appointment. I left Bro. Turner behind at Upolu
waiting for a package to Honolulu, to tend to business relative to our rights and
protection as the law guarantees us; and to try if there is no arm of power that will
deliver these poor wretches from under the missionary(other churches) oppression.

25
It is heart rendering to see the way this people is oppressed by those who profess to
be Ministers of Christ. It is not the flock they care for, it is the fines they want.
They have fine mansions and an abundance of wealth and property by oppressing
these poor sons of Jacob. I thank God that priest craft and oppression shall soon
have an end because the day of the Lord is nigh at hand when righteousness shall
cover the earth.
Saturday August 6, 1853: Bro. Rice and myself remained in the house all day
reading the scriptures. In the afternoon Bro. Kalama came to us. He is a native
Elder; we held a meeting in the latter part of the day for a few that were very
anxious to hear our principles.
Sunday August 7th: The first thing this morning two of our native Priests came to
us with three candidates to confirm whom they had baptized. This is the first fruits
of their ministry. They are young Priests just starting out. May God bless them and
prosper them in their first undertaking and give them many calls to their ministry.

We held meetings three times a day and had fairly good attendance. The people
in general believe our doctrine but are afraid to obey the gospel, through the
oppression of the other missionaries (other churches) who instead of teaching them
those principles of gospel which are calculated to exalt them out of their low,
miserable and wretched conditions. They only hold them in servitude and bondage
to glut their own desires, they oppress the poor natives with fines. Brethren that is
most damnable and they will bow to it like the ox to the yoke . It is hard to get
them to stand up for their own rights but the time has come when they will shake
off the fetters and burst their chains asunder. I pray God that the spirit of their
fathers may be poured out upon them that they may arise and maintain that dignity
which the gospel guarantees to them and I pray God, my Heavenly Father that he
would help this people with hearing ears and understanding hearts that they may
know this the way of their visitations; this afternoon myself and Bro. Rice were
visiting through the Noiz neighborhood. I met with an Englishman from London.
I preached a little to him and bore testimony of the work of the Lord in these the
last days. He said I wish you much prosperity if I never join you.
Monday 8th: This morning we held a meeting and organized a small Branch,
ordained Holiniku a Teacher and Ohialan a Deacon. We also attended to blessing
children; after meeting there were 16 candidates came forth for baptism. After
breakfast we retired to the ? which was about five miles distance. This is a
mountainous country and water is not handy to be found. It rained on us all the

26
way and while we attend to the ordnances; it rejoices my soul to see the natives
obey the commandments of Jesus and go into the waters of baptism while the ?
Pharisees laugh with a contemptable sneer and say our doctrine is wicked.
We then started for Waiamea, the distance of about 20 miles. We put up at Mr.
Lincons. He is a foreigner and treats us very friendly but manifested no great
desire for the truth. There was also a gentleman put up for the night with us; he
was a Merchant from Waiamea by the name of Mr. Measey; we had quite a
lengthy debate with him on the principles of our Holy religion; but he manifested
no principle of honesty whatever. It is good the Lord gave ? with mostly all the
foreigners that I meet with here. They say we have no charity because our
doctrine comes in contrast with their false notions and exposes their folly.
Tuesday 9th.The first thing after breakfast we left Mr. Lincoln and started for
Waiamea; over a very rough and mountainous road. When we got there we fell in
with two English gentlemen. One of them was a very rough swearing man. He
said it was a living we were all after but he would be (dammed) if we could make a
Mormon of him. Come in the house said he. We went in the house and was very
politely seated. We got the best dinner I have had since I have been on the Islands.
We preached to them and bore faithful testimony to the truth of our mission. We
then left in search of Bro. Franklin A. Cooper, who was working for Mr. Henway,
an English merchant. The gentleman very respectably entertained us and appeared
very friendly. The foreigners treat us remarkably well in this region of the country
although they manifest no disposition to obey the truth. Bro. Franks is a brother
Indian. Myself and Bro. Franks was nearly bare foot. He gave us 8 ½ dollars to get
a pair of shoes a piece. May God bless him is my prayer in the name of the Lord.
Wednesday10th. Very wet and disagreeable this morning for traveling. It rains
mostly all the time in this country. We called to see Mr. Beadle, an English man.
We spent the day with him till the following morning. He treated us well and
manifested a good spirit. We spent all that afternoon with him conversing on the
principles of the gospel and the great work of the Lord in these the last days. We
bore a faithful testimony to him and leave the result with God. He manifests no
disposition to approve but said it was the most reasonable of anything he has ever
heard. He wishes to get our books to read, he very humbly invited us to call again.
Thursday 11th: This morning we prepared to call and see Mr. Parker and Mr.
Purdy. They are two foreigners and very wealthy men. They are large stock
holders and keep very large dairies. They milk 150 to 200 cows apiece. They are
very old settlers in this country. We are told that they are clever men and have a
great many natives around them. We thought perhaps we might get an opening

27
among them but when we got there we were disappointed very much. We
were very coolly received and manifested no disposition to keep us over night. I
was very wet and foot sore at the same time. I thought it very hard to return back
again that night which was about 7 miles.
Friday 12th: The first thing this morning we ordained Bro. Franklin to be a Priest.
May God bless him as he has blessed us through the trials of our travels. This day
I fell in company with one Mr. Savage, a doctor by profession. I had an interview
of some four hours with him. He has never heard but very little about us except a
few false reports in the papers. He was very anxious to know something about us
and what was the principles and doctrine we believe in which I was not backward
to declare. I preached to him the first principles of the gospel in its simplicity and
bore a faithful testimony to the truth of this work and I pray God, my Heavenly
Father that it may not be in vain. He also wanted to know if we believed in the
plurality of wives or if we practiced it. I told him we have both. He was somewhat
startled at first but after I preached the doctrine to him he said it was the most
reasonable of anything he had ever heard. Says he, your doctrine is very
reasonable I must admit, more so than anything I have ever heard. I am almost
persuaded to be a Christian. He wishes to get our books to read. I was sorry I had
none with me to lend him. He said he would send after them which is some 20
miles. We then went on some two miles farther and put up for the night at an
Englishman’s house by the name of Mr. Fay. We were well treated and
accommodated but manifested no disposition to learn the truth.
We have spent a week here in Waiamea among the foreigners trying to make an
opening among them. We are very kindly treated with most of them,but
manifesting no desire for the truth at present.
Saturday 13: We left Waiamea this morning for Naiko some 18 miles. It was
especially warm almost enough to melt one with dust and sand above the shoe
tops. I got my feet all blistered. It was very difficult traveling over this most ?
country. We called on Mr. Limon on our way and got dinner and a good dish of
milk which is a very dear thing to be had in this country. It was a great treat to us
I assure you.
Sunday 14: We preached three time in Kokio afterward we organized a ranch,
ordained three priests and two teachers. Here was also five candidates came forth
for baptism, which we did not attend to till morning, being five miles from the
water.

28
Monday 15: The first thing after breakfast this morning we waited on those
candidates to the waters of baptism. After we performed the ordinances we left for
Honoko. On our way we called on Mr. Naihe, a native chief. We took some
dinner with him. He very kindly told us not to pass his place hungry. We then left
and traveled to the valley of ? . We put up for the night as we were very tired.
Tuesday 16: We left this morning for Hono Kona. We were kindly escorted by
the native sisters who carry our teaching bags over the rocks and the hills. It is
strange to see the love and affection they show to us. This afternoon received a
letter from Bros. Allred and Maui which brought us considerable news which I was
eager to receive. It rejoices me to hear of the work of the Lord among the nations.
I also hear the devil is busy with the servants of God; which is a natural
consequence. I hear that several of the natives have banished the servants of the
Lord and rejected the counsel of God. Elder Lewis and Elder Homer was severally
abused while going to administer to the sick. The Lord ?????? They tried hard to
wave the subject saying the elders acted contrary to the law. Elder Johnson asked
the privilege of acting as councilors for the plaintive which was granted with a ?
but the court wouldn’t acknowledge him; not only a member of the Bar but a
Doctor also he told them as a medicine man he was prepared to answer under oath
to all medicines used; and called on them to turn out their best medical men to test
the point. He however told the court that he did not crave for those titles. He was
acting as an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ which far surpassed the honors of
this world and although they should try to stop its progress and shed our blood
yet Mormonism would triumph over all the power of our enemies.
Bro Johnson was filled with the spirit of God and like Paul of old when called to
defend the truth he did it with boldness. The court was compelled to sit and hear
those things they did not want to hear. Bro. Johnson says since that time many
have come out very friendly but there is still a mob spirit among the people in
Honolula.
The persecutors only fined 1% debt. If all the furor would have been invested in
the missionaries of the Islands we would have been banished long ere now.
Although they have lifted the balance of power for this long time but are
weakening very fast not withstanding all the malice and fury the devil can heap
upon us. The work of the Lord is still rolling forth and will eventually triumph over
the earth.
Wednesday 17: We lay by all day and applied ourselves chiefly in reading and
studying. In the afternoon we baptized Jerimiah Kahumaku, brother to ??? who
lately died an elder of the church.

29
Thursday 18th: We spent this day as the day previous in reading and study.
Saturday August 20th, 1853
This morning we left Hono Kono for Upolu to embrace the first opportunity to go
to the Island of Maui. As we passed through the Valley of Solvu there was three
candidates called on us for baptism. We also ordained two teachers and also was
told by several others who wished to be baptized but would take us to Maui
Sunday 21st: We attended meetings three times and baptized one in the afternoon.
Monday 22nd: We waited here all day waiting for passage to Maui. This is a poor
miserable place to stop at although there is some warm hearted brethren living
here. They are destitute of life and are living in a most miserable and wretched
condition. We had to live a great deal on watermelons. We traveled from house to
house to get a bite the best way we could. We called upon a foreigner, a
Dutchman, that kept a line of stores. He treated us very kindly. He gave us a glass
apiece of wine and a good dinner which was much needed at the time. May God
bless him as he has blessed us.
Tuesday 23rd: We still remained at Upolu waiting for the schooner to come take us
to Maui. We spent the forenoon reading the scriptures. Then we started to hunt
for something to eat.
Wednesday 24th: We took passage this morning on board the schooner for Maui.
We gave the parting hand to our native brethren for a short season. They
manifested much sorrow to part with us and seemed to be very fearful of the
missionaries (other Church) persecuting them.
In our absence, after being on board some time they commenced to way anchor,
but unfortunately the point of the anchor got fast in the cliff of rocks and they were
unable to raise it up. There were two natives sent for to dive to the bottom and
know what was the matter. They were soon on hand. It is somewhat amusing to
see these natives exercise themselves in the water. The greatest of their dexterity
and skill is in the water. These natives dived 60 feet deep and cleared the anchor.
They were one minute and a half under the water where the sharks are very
plentiful and would be very dangerous for a white man. They received five dollars
for clearing the anchor which was done in one minute and a half. We then set sail
for Kawaihae to take on some fruit. When we got there we went ashore to try to get
something to eat as we have not eat anything for the last 24 hours. We got a
healthy breakfast.

30
Thursday 25th: We sailed from Kawaihae [Hawaii], but very slowly as there was
quite a calm. There was several merchants on board from Honolulu and Judge
Lee, the head man of the Hawaiian Nations. Bro. Tanner presented the voice of
warning to their doctor White and asked if he would not like to red some
Mormonism to pass the time as it was very fine ad calm. He took the book and
read perhaps one hour and a half and then returned the book saying it was absurd
and ridiculous which opened a feel of discussion. Immediately we were
surrounded by all on board. We talked some two hours on the principles of our
Holy religion. They manifested no opposition. Never- the- less we had the
privilege of telling them some little what Mormonism was about and bore a faithful
testimony to them and the truth of the same.
Friday 26th: Early this morning we arrived at Lahaina, Maui.4 We went ashore and
called on dear Bro. Hammond. We found him and his family well, enjoying the
Spirit of God. We spent a very agreeable day with him. The work of the Lord is
prospering on this Island. We also found Bro. Allred here. He is making good
progress in the Hawaiian language. In the afternoon we again went on board and
left for Honolulu. We spent a very disagreeable night having nowhere to lie but on
the deck. I got wet with the spray that washed over the vessel which made it very
unpleasant.

Saturday Morning the 27th. We arrived at Honolulu 5 and found Br. Johnson and
Bro. Farmer well and enjoying good spirits notwithstanding the life of affliction
they have passed through. Although the destroyer has laid low his thousands and
spread death and destruction through this land- yet he has sent his angels to protect
his servants that are laboring on this island and has delivered them from all harm.
Although there is about one hundred of our native brethren that has fallen and gone
into the Spirit world, even some of our best and most useful Elders. It has been a
time of great mourning among the people of this place.
We and the brethren had a time of rejoicing. What was most concerning to me was
to hear from my friends in the mountains.
I received a letter from Bro. Jonathan Pugmire informing me that my family was
well and of the prosperity of Zion which fills my heart with joyous gratitude to
God. “Yea beauteous vales of desert home.
4
Appendix A Map/Photos - Maui
5
Appendix A Map/Photos - Oahu

31
My peaceful happy mountain.
Thy lovely scenes I’ll ne’er forget
Tho far away from thee I roam.
Sunday the 28th: As there is no particular meetings held in Honolulu at present due
to so much sickness. I spent the day in the house reading the news from Salt Lake
which was very interesting and comforting to me. I also wrote a letter to Bro.
Jonathan Pugmire in Great Salt Lake City. I spent a very agreeable day with my
Brethren whom I have not seen for three months.
Monday the 29th:Elder Johnson, Tanner and myself called on Mr. Armstrong
Minister of Public Instruction respecting our rights and privileges on these Islands
the same as other denominations which the law guarantees to all denominations
that teach nothing contrary to the Old and New Testament. We find it here, the
same as it is in other countries-there is no law or justice for Mormons.
Tuesday 30th. The first thing after breakfast this morning Bros. Johnson, Tanner
and myself called to see the Honorable Mr. Lee, Chief Justice of the Hawaiian
Islands. After we got to his office we were informed that he was sick and confined
to his room and we could not get to see him. We then returned to the house and
spent the day in reading.
Wednesday 31st: I remained in the house all day. Everything here in Honolulu at
present has a very gloomy ad melancholy aspect to what it did when I first came
here. When I first came the streets of Honolulu would be crowded all night long
and you would hear the sound of instruments of music all over the town with
dancing and music of all kinds. What a change traveling the streets now. You will
rarely meet a person. It is supposed that about a third of the inhabitants of this
island have died with smallpox. It has taken saint and sinner. I think myself they
could not have died at a better time …just as they received the gospel. I think
there is about half of the people that is under.
Thursday September 1st: Being our fast day we attended to the same and fasted till
evening. I went to the meeting with Bro. Tanner in the afternoon. The
congregation was small to what it formerly had been a few months ago. There were
a great many marked faces yet they manifested a good spirit and seemed to be
steadfast in the faith of God. My prayer to God is that He would speedily visit this
people in much mercy and save them out of the deplorable condition they are in.

32
Friday, September 2nd and Saturday 3rd; I chiefly spent in my room and gave
myself mostly to reading and study; except once or twice I accompanied Bro.
Tanner to see some of the brethren that had been down with the smallpox. The
scenes of suffering that this people has passed through would make the heart of
humanity melt.
Sunday 4th: I attended meeting twice today. The brethren seemed to feel well not-
with- standing the great afflictions they have passed through. They manifested a
spirit of thankfulness that God had been merciful to them and spared their lives to
meet again and see each others faces in the flesh. There was one candidate for
baptism. This being the first Sunday in the month the sacrament was administered
also. The Spirit of the Lord was in our midst.
Monday 5th: I spent the day in the house and gave myself chiefly to reading and
writing.
Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th- The most of which time I spent in
reading and writing and improving my mind the best I know how. After conference
I shall lecture again to the islands of Hawaii and to the field of labor in company
with Bro. Farrer. There has been quite a political excitement in town this last week
which has been working as an undercurrent for a long time but at last it exploded.
Where it will end I know not. The probability is that it will not end here. The state
of affairs is quite unsettled but not any more than any other nation.
Friday 9th; This morning I enclosed a letter to Bro. Hopkins, Lehi City, Dry Creek
Utah Valley. In the afternoon Elder Tanner and myself took a walk some three or
four miles in the country to visit a small branch of the church. We blessed and
confirmed a member in the church. We afterward partook of a good native supper
which consisted of boiled chicken. We then returned to the city; and attended a
political meeting in the Court House of Honolulu. Several resolutions were passed
and very interesting to me. Doctor Judd, Minister of Finances was voted out of
office and Mr. Allen was voted to receive his place.
Saturday 10th; Bro. Johnson, Tanner, Farrer and myself left Honolulu this morning
for Kolou, a distance of some 18 miles to attend the Native conference. We
traveled about 11 miles and put up for the night at Bro. Whites. As the day was
very warm and we was not strong fro traveling. We had a good dinner and salt
water bath after which we felt much refreshed. We spent a very agreeable
afternoon, closed the evening by four and then retired to rest.
Sunday 11th; the first thing after breakfast this morning we left in company with
Bro. White for conference, a distance of about seven miles. We had a very

33
pleasant day but not very great gathering owing to much sickness. The brethren all
seemed to feel well and manifested a good spirit. The report of this island was
given in which members told of about 125 deaths by smallpox.
The subject for raising money for printing of the
Book of Mormon was raised before the
conference. They manifested a spirit for having
it done. May God grant that spirit to increase in
them more and more till that work be
accomplished. In the afternoon we returned to
Bro. White again and spent that night.
[With the help of Jonatana Napela, an early
convert and first native Hawaiian to receive his
temple endowment, they were able to translate
the Book of Mormon into the
Hawaiian language. The translation took
several years. With the translation finished,
George Q. Cannon printed 3,000 copies of the
Hawaiian Book of Mormon in San
Francisco. This was done on a press that was purchased with the help of funds
donated by the Hawaiian Saints.]
Monday 12th: After breakfast we left for Honolulu. We had a very high mountain
to travel over which made it very tiring. We got into Honolulu about two o’clock.
*The mail had just arrived which brought with it letters from my family which was
a great repass for me. My heart was filled with joy and gladness when I heard from
my family and the blessings that God has attended them over the time I left home.
I don’t know how to express my gratitude.
Tuesday 13th; This day I have spent in reading the news and perusing over the
papers with exception of writing a little in the evening.
Wednesday 14th; I wrote a letter to my wife on Dry Creek, Lehi city. I spent the
day chiefly in reading and writing.
Thursday, September 15, 1853. This day I spent the greater part in perusing over
the pages of the District which news is cheering me to hear from my Mountain
Home.
Friday 16th; Spent the day in my room and gave myself to reading and writing.
Saturday 17th; I spent this day in the above and wrote a letter to my daughter Lydia.
34
Sunday 18th; I attended meetings twice. There was but very few came to hear.
There seems to be a stand here at present and a cloud of gloom hanging over this
place. Those crowded and spirited meetings carried on a few months ago has
disappeared. Our meeting has in great measure been broken up. We have had to
give up our meeting house so great has been the destruction among this people that
they are almost ? of life, even them that serve. Sunday night I was taken sick with a
very severe pain in the lower part of my bowels. Bro. Tanner and Bro. Farrer got
up and administered to me. As soon as they laid their hands on my head the pain
left me.
Monday 19th: I feel unwell and very feeble this morning. I spent the day in reading
and writing. In the afternoon I called in to see Bro. Hip…..and doing well.
Tuesday 20th; Spent the forepart of the day writing. I enclosed a letter to my son
John. In the afternoon I went and had a cold water bath, the day being very warm.
Wednesday, September the 21st; As I was walking through the streets of Honolulu I
met a gentleman, a medical man named Mr. Lavage, a doctor, with whom I had a
lengthy conversation some time ago. He invited me to take a glass of wine. He
was under the influence of liquor at the time and asked me if I wanted any money.
says his landlord had said “Give this friend of mine ten dollars. I know he is a good
man.” He knows nothing about me no further than I had bore a faithful testimony
to him of the work of the Lord in this the last days. I thank the Lord for this,
another manifestation of his kind providence to me. I was without money and
means at the time. I perceive it as a blessing at the hand of the Lord and pray that
Mr. Lavage may be rewarded fourfold. I pray that the spirit of the Lord may rest
upon him that he may have a desire to seek for the truth and be saved in the
kingdom of God.

Thursday 22nd; This afternoon I attended a meeting with Elder Farrer. There was
but a very few attended. I pray God my Heavenly Father to diffuse the cloud that
seems to hang over the place at present and revive His work as in former days.
Friday 23rd; The day being uncomfortable warm I felt very unwell and feeble. I
remained in the house the greater part of the day reading and writing.
Saturday 24th; I remained in the house forepart of the day. In the afternoon Elder
Farrer and myself went up the valley and had a bath. We then went up to the foot
of the mountain to get some ? that grows very plentifully in some place on the
Island. We spent a very agreeable and quite an afternoon.
35
Sunday 25th; I felt very unwell. The warmth affects my health very much. I feel
much better on the other side of the Island. I attended meeting twice today. There
was not a large congregation but a very good spirit manifested among the people.
There was a candidate for baptism.
Monday 26th ,Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th I spent in reading and writing.
Thursday 29th ; Enclosed three letters to my family. One to my wife, one to John
and one to Lydia. The few white men on this island are very liberal in furnishing
us means to travel with Bro. Charles White giving us ten dollars, Bro. Kipp gave
us ten dollars, Bro. Dennis gave us 40 dollars to bear our expenses to conference
and to our different fields of labor. May the Lord reward them for their liberality.
In the afternoon we took passage on board of a schooner and left for Lahaina to
attend conference. In company with Elders Johnson, Tanner, Lewis, Farrer, Bigler
and the natives. We had a very pleasant night, not much wind.
Friday 30th : A very pleasant day, the wind very moderate in the afternoon we had
quite a calm and spent a very agreeable night. Some few on board a little sick.
Saturday,, September 1st we had a wind but not fair, the sea being very rough and
boisterous which makes us a little sick. We had a fine night.
Sunday 2nd; Early this morning we were within two hours sail of Lahaina; but
losing our wind we drifted back with the tide for a long distance which was very
disagreeable and unpleasant. We did not get ashore till the afternoon. We went to
Bro. Hammond who resides in Lahaina. Spent the latter part of day very
agreeable. After we refreshed ourselves we went to meeting with Bro Hammond.
It being the first Sunday of the month the sacrament was administered. There was
a good spirit in the meeting. Native brethren seemed to be in good faith and
enjoyed much of the spirit of God. We spent the night with Bro. Hammond.
Monday 3rd; We again went on board of the schooner accompanied by Bro. and
Sister Hammond and set sail for Kalului. We had a strong wind all that night. I
was a little sick.
Tuesday 4th; This morning about 6:00 o’clock we arrived at Kalului. As soon as
we landed we were saluted by a number of native brethren with horses to carry us
up to Wailuku the place where conference met. We also met with Elder ??s which
I had not seen for these last months. We had a time of rejoicing which will be long
remembered. In the afternoon there was 20 foreign Elders of us met together.
After a little chat together we all went and had a fresh water bath. We all felt well
and had a good time.

36
Wednesday 5th; We the Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
20 of us in number met together in council to transact business relative to our
proceeding on these Islands and to take into consideration the business of our
conference. Much of the Spirit of God was in our midst. The Spirit of councils and
union rested upon the Elders. There was not a contrary feeling in all the council.
Minutes of the semiannual conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints held at Wailuku, island of Maui, October 6th 1853. Present at this
conference- one high priest, 16 Seventies, 3 Elders, 1 Priest. Conference opened
with singing and prayer by Elder and his bride. Then Elder Winchester, was called
as clerk. President Lewis was sustained in his office. Next was presented his
*counselors, Elders Tanner and Karren who were sustained in their office. Then
the following representations were made by the elders upon the progress of the
work upon these lands- service, fields of labor showing the organization of a large
number of new branches and an increase of nearly threefold since last conference.
The Saints generally are disposed to obey counsel and seek wisdom. The gifts of
the spirit are enjoyed in most branches. The smallpox has raged upon these
islands, especially Honolulu where some thousands fell victims to its ravages and
among the members. Many of the Saints as the report from that District will show.
There has been some persecution which has tended to give impetus to the spread
of truth and the Saints greatly rejoice in the progress of the work of the Lord upon
these lands.
The first business before the conference was the necessity of printing the Book of
Mormon at the earliest period, it being ready for the press. Next we discussed the
propriety of procuring a press for the use of this mission as much printed material
is necessary for the instruction of this people. The motion was carried that a press
and material be purchased at the earliest date. A motion was made and carried that
a committee of three be appointed to transact all business relative to raising the
means and procuring said press.
That said committee be authorized to choose such fields of operation and
auxiliaries to aid them in accomplishing this objective as they deem necessary.
Elders Cannon, Johnson and Lewis were appointed as said committee. Motion
carried that we take into consideration the selection of some suitable location for
the gathering of the Saints upon these lands agreeable to council received from
president Young. When after due consideration the following elders Hammond,
Dennis, Johnson, Tanner and McBride were appointed a committee to make

37
selection and transact all business necessary for the accomplishment of this
objective and to report by circular the results of their labor.
The object of procuring a vessel for the use and benefit of the Saints was then
taken into consideration, but was deferred for the present. As we have heretofore
been a bridge in our rights in regard to schools, that subject was taken up and
Elders Johnson, Cannon and Tanner were appointed a committee to draft a
memorial to the proper authorities setting forth our grievances in regard to this
matter.
Next in order came the distribution of the Elders to their fields of future labor.
Motion given and carried. Elders be appointed by this conference to preside over
the different Islands. Elder Tanner was appointed to preside over Hawaii, Elder
Kendick N. Allred to preside over Maui, Elder H McBride to preside over Oahu,
Elder Farrer to preside over Kauai.
Motioned and Carried that Molokai be a separate conference and that Elder
Woodbury preside over said island. *Elder Karren, Rice, Lowder, Lawson, Keeler
and Lynn were appointed to Hawaii. Elder McBride and priest Wolverton, -Kauai.
Elder Hammond and Allred to Maui. Elder Green to Molokai and Elder Hawkins
to Oahu . Elder Winchester to Honolulu to labor as the presidency may direct.
Motioned and carried that this conference highly approve of the labors of Elder
Johnson for the last six months in Honolulu and that we assign that place as the
field of his future labors when not engaged elsewhere in the business of the
committee.
22 native Elders and Priests were appointed to travel in conjunction with the
foreign Elders. Motioned and carried that all remaining native officers be subject
to a call of the Presidency of their respective conferences.
Conference was adjourned until the 8th in order to meet with the native saints in
conference to lay before them the business already transacted which was joyfully
received and heartily concurred in by the congregation of some fifteen hundred
souls who listened with deep interest to all the teaching on the decision.
Some 30 were baptized. 226 Elders, 29 priests, 16 teachers and 12 deacons were
ordained during conference. Considering the extreme poverty of the native saints a
laudable zeal was manifested by them and disposition to sustain the committee in
procuring and establishing a press for the printing of the Book of Mormon and
other publications. There was a general feeling to gather out from the surrounding
influences of some separate locations seemed universal among them.

38
Saturday 8th: Elders conference again convened by singing and praying by
President Lewis. Then the disposition of an invoice of book orders from England
was taken into consideration. Motioned and carried that the book be subjected to
the control of the committee of three. The subject of suitable portions of our works
into the native language was next taken up. Elder Farrer was appointed to prepare
a synopsis of the scriptures. Elder Hammond was to translate portions of the
Book of Doctrine and Covenants relating to church government. Elder Woodbury
to prepare a elections of hymns adopted to our form of worship. And other elders
acquainted with the native language be employed in translating as the presidency
deemed proper.
Motioned and carried that we visit the crater of Halea Kola [Haleakalā Crater] for
recreation and geological observation under the direction of the presidency.
Motioned and carried that conference be adjourned until April 6, 1854 at a place
the President and his counsel may designate. Closed with singing and prayer by
Elder Tanner.
Report of the conference 53 branches: numbering 1 High Priest, 16 Seventies, 29
Elders, 137 teachers and 35 deacons. 170 died, 62 cut off, 1917 baptized since last
conference. Total numbers 3,031.
Sunday 9th; This day was chiefly spent in preaching and teaching the natives.
In the forenoon Bro. Cannon taught a powerful discourse on the subject of the
Book of Mormon. He was followed by several others of the Elders that has got the
native language. After which Elder Johnson delivered an interesting discourse on
the first principles of the gospel. We had no intermission.
The afternoon spent in teaching the Natives their several duties as many of them
are going out in the field to labor from this conference. There was much of the
spirit of God rested upon the Brethren. We had a joyful time. There was nothing
but peace and harmony prevailed through all the conference.
Monday 10th ; The first things this morning we met with the native officers to make
arrangements about getting ready to start our different fields of labor. After which
we foreign Elders set in our counsel to talk over matters relative to our
proceedings. The Spirit of God has been with us in all our proceedings. There has
not been a feeling of discord in our mission.
Tuesday, October 11th , 1853; Met together in counsel this morning for a short
time. The remainder of the day we spent in meetings.

39
Wednesday 12th; This morning we appointed a fast and held a blessing meeting to
dedicate and set apart each other for our different fields of labor. In the afternoon
14 foreign Elders of us left Hailukku to go and visit the creators. One of the seven
Wonders of the World. We were all furnished with horses by our native brethren.
We traveled some 15 miles this afternoon and put up for the night at Bro. Koponas.
At a place called Kula at the rise of the mountain. There was great preparation
made by our native brethren for our entertainment. We were greatly venerated and
well attended.
Thursday13; We held a meeting this morning before breakfast. Bro. Hammond
and Hawkins preached in native to a few warmhearted natives. After breakfast we
prepared to ascend the mountain. Our horses were all prepared for us and 7 natives
to accompany us to carry our provisions, and one to be our guide and act as a pilot.
We commenced to ascend the mountain which was very laborious on our animals
it being very steep. We continued to travel all this day upwards, but had to rest
very often. We enjoyed ourselves and had very agreeable huckleberry picking
which are in great abundance on the sides of the mountain. We enjoyed ourselves
first rate. It was a scene which we shall long remember.
In the afternoon about four o’clock our guide took us to a cave in the mountain
where we camped for the night. It is a general camping place for most visitors to
the top of this mountain, to see the crater. Our native attendants prepared supper
for us. They threw a pile of rocks together, then put on a great pile of wood, then
set fire to it and when the rocks were warm enough they laid on goats meat and
potatoes to roast. We also had pie Kalo and Lu???. This constituted the variety of
our food.
The natives also dug a hole in the ground and filled it with rocks and laid on a
great fire. When the rocks were sufficiently warm they took the goat meat and
wrapped it up in large green leaves and laid it on the rocks. They covered it over
with more leaves, grass and earth which prevented any stem from escaping. They
left it until the next morning.
The evening was so beautiful and clear, the atmosphere somewhat sharp and
cold. We all felt to button our coats and keep our hands in our pockets. After some
singing and prayer we made up our beds in the cave and went to rest for the night.
Friday 14; This morning was beautiful and clear, the atmosphere cold. Our first
consideration was to open the oven or the hole in the ground and draw the contents
out. We found it all well done and had quite a warm breakfast. After a while we
got up on our horses and made preparations to gain the summit of the mountain or

40
edge of the crater. This was the most difficult part of the way to travel. We had
now ascended above all the vegetation and had to climb among rocks and boulders
and decomposed lava which was very fatiguing and extremely difficult for both
ourselves and our animals. I never could have believed horses could have been
taken up such a place. However after a long hard struggle we gained the top and
were permitted to look into the crater.
This crater is said to be the largest in the world. It is also considered one of the
Wonders of the World. It is 10 miles wide or 30 miles in circumference. There
were two openings where the volcanic matter or lava ran out into the sea when in
operation. There are a number of large mounds in the crater with holes in the top
of them which formed a sort of chimney. There is not a speck of vegetation to be
seen. There is nothing but ashes and cinders and great huge masses of congealed
lava which presents itself in all kinds of forms.
The brethren all went down in the crater, 13 in number, accompanied by natives.
I did not go down myself. I did not feel well and knowing it would be attended by
fatigue I remained on the top till the Brethren all returned back. They descended
into the crater about half past 8 o’clock and returned back about 12 o’clock.
They suffered a great deal with drought and no water could be procured. The sun
shed her rays down in the crater making it excessively hotter.
The scene was majestically grand. We were now some 10000 feet elevated above
the level of the sea. I wish I was a geographic writer that I might give a more
minute description of the scenery which is well worthy of notice. How awfully
grand must the site have been when in lively operation. When over ten miles
square was boiling in one mas of liquid fire raging like the foaming billows of the
ocean. The natives call this crater Hale-a-Ka lai by interpretation the house of the
sun. It was formerly worshiped by natives as their God. They used to throw their
dead bodies into it as a sacrifice to appease its wrath.
About one o’clock we made preparation to descend the mountain, but was
detained through Bro. Hawkins losing track of the company. After some hours he
was found and after we got some water our guide led us to another cave where we
camped for the night. We made preparations for an early start in the morning as
our provisions were running short.
Saturday 15th; Early this morning after we had returned our thanks to the Lord and
called upon His name for his blessings to attend us for the day, we got up on our
horses, not having any breakfast to attend to got an early start about 9 o’clock,
down to the settlement Kapono where breakfast was quickly prepared for us. This

41
settlement belongs to the church. A visit to this crater by strangers is performed at
great expense as they rent horses, get food and natives to pilot them up to the
mountain ,but we were furnished with everything we wanted. After we had eaten
breakfast and rested awhile we then left for Honolulu. Part of the company went to
Bro. John Winchester at Wailuku.
After supper I, in company with Bro. Smith and Cannon, returned that evening to
Wailuku. The night was clear and moonlit. The distance was 15 miles and it was
very pleasant traveling. We got there about 12 o’clock.
I left Bros. Lewis, Tanner, and Johnson and dinned behind at Bro. Winchesters
for the night. Then followed the next day and got to Wailuku about noon. We just
received some Deseret Papers dated the 30th informing us of Indian depredation in
the mountains which we were sorry to hear of. Bro. Johnson feels somewhat
uneasy about his family in hearing Summit Creek is vacated and not knowing
what has become of his family. It has given him some little uneasiness. I hope he
has sustained no loss.
Sunday 16th; I felt tired and sore
with riding. I spent the day
chiefly in reading the Deseret
News and writing in my journal.
Monday 17th; Spent the greatest
part of the day in writing and
chatting with the Brethren as we
are again about to separate for
another six months. This evening we left Wailuku for Lahaina traveling some
eight miles when we came to a small Bay called Maalaea where we remained until
four o’clock next morning.
Tuesday 18th Here we got our native Brethren to carry us round for an open boat.
We had a very pleasant sail around the mountain. We got to Lahaina about the
middle of the day. Spent the afternoon very agreeable at Bro. Hammonds.
Wednesday 19th; This morning I, in company with a committee of five elders:
Bros. Hammond, Johnson, Tanner, Davis and Allred, and according to their wish
left Lahaina to look out a location or a place of gathering for the Saints and their
lands for the present time, until a way shall open for them to gather according to
the suggestion of the President.

42
 We went in an open boat and had a very pleasant time crossing the channel
although attended by a great deal of exertion by the native for lack of wind to help
sail the boat. The distance was about 20 miles. We arrived about four o’clock in
the afternoon. We landed on Lanici at a place called Manele where we put up for
the night. Bro. Nepola, a native elder and Bro. Cannon preached in the evening to a
small congregation of natives. There was a good spirit manifested. After the
meeting there was two came forth for baptism. We closed the day with prayer
then laid us down on matts for the night. It was uncomfortable warm. We had no
need for clothing to cover us. One of the men that had been baptized went fishing
all night to procurer fish for our breakfast.
Thursday20th: After we had feasted this morning on fish and sweet potatoes for
breakfast we left and traveled some two miles up the mountain until we came to
the top of the ridge. A most beautiful valley presented itself to our view. We
descended into the valley. It was a gradual decent of near one mile distance. The
soil is rich and appears to be very fertile, but we found water to be very scarce
which is the only difficulty that would prevent this valley from admitting a large
settlement. However it is yet to be ascertained whether water can be procured by
digging wells or not, which is left for the committee to ascertain. After we had
examined this valley and its facilities we returned again to the shore where we
spent the evening before. It was a hard day tramp. I felt somewhat fatigued. After
we got rested a little we all went into the sea and had a good bath to wash off the
dust and the sweat. I felt much better. After supper we had singing and laid us
down on the mats for the night. As usual these mats are very agreeable to lie on in
these warm climates.
Friday 21st; The first thing this morning before breakfast Bros. Allred and Cannon
preached to the natives. After breakfast we gave them the parting hand and soon
found ourselves again in the briny deep making our way for Lahaina. It was
extremely hot with little or no wind and a heavy swell in the sea. This made us
extremely sick for a little while but after we got some wind the boat commenced to
sail and we were somewhat better. We got to Lahaina about 11 o’clock and spent
the afternoon in council. We talked over matters to our proceeding on these
Islands.
Saturday 22nd ; This day I spent with Bro. Hammond in Lahaina with several of
the Elders here. They have met to embrace the first opportunity to go to their
several fields of labor. Some of the day I occupied in writing.

43
Sunday 23rd ; I attended meeting twice today. The Brethren felt well and
manifested much of the Spirit of God. Bro. George Cannon preached twice to the
Brethren on Sunday night. I was taken sick with the “Lahaina favours?”. I had
quite a spell of sickness for one week.
[One week blank]
Monday 31st; This morning I left Lahaina in company with Elders Keeler, Rice,
Lawson, Snider, four native Elders and four native Priests . We took passage on
board a Schooner for Hawaii. My health was very feeble at the time and I was not
very fit to go ,but however I did not like to stop behind. We all set sail about the
middle of the afternoon. Several of the natives preached onboard the vessel. We
had a good time made to rejoice in the beholding their cheerfulness and the song of
joy and gladness that was heard all over the vessel.
Tuesday, November 1st 1853; This morning was fine. We had a good sailing
breeze but the sea was rough. Some of the Brethren was very sick and including
myself. About three o’clock in the afternoon we got to Upolu where we had some
*difficulty landing, owing to a heavy swell on the shore. I got into the water
myself and had some little trouble getting out. All my clothing, books and papers
got wet. There was also a very
sad accident happen to one of the
sailors that assisted in putting us
ashore. The sea struck the boat
and dashed it upon the rocks. The
man was under the boat and got
his head cut most awfully. It was
supposed, for some time, that he
was dead but after a while he
recovered. On examination we
found no bone fractures, but the wounds were frightful to me. Elder Rice went to
work and I got bandages ready. We anointed him with oil and bound up his
wounds the best we knew how. Then we laid our hands on him and administered to
him in the name of the Lord. He is doing well and recovering fast.
[Upolu Point, Big Island]
As soon as we landed we were surrounded by several constables who refused us
the privilege to go where we pleased as ministers of the gospel. We are put in
custody for 14 days. This is contrary to all laws and justice. However this is all a
missionary operation. * The devil is mad and is bound to hedge up our way if he
can.

44
Wednesday, November 2nd; Remained in the house all day under guard as a
prisoner. Occupied a portion of the time in studying the language.
Thursday 3rd; This being the first Thursday of the month we set it apart for fasting
and praying that the Lord would open a way for our deliverance and that this
imprisonment work for the good and for the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus
Christ. * All our Brethren that come to see us are put under guard with ourselves.
The most damnable oppression I ever saw. “Oh Lord come out of thy hiding place
and vex the nation in thy sore displeasure those that will oppress thy people and
make lies their refuge. May they speedily fall and their ? be forgotten among
men.”

*Friday, November 4th 1853. We still remain in custody-twenty of us in number.

Elders Rice, Keeler, Lawson, Snider and myself and 15 natives. We all feel well
and feel to rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer for the truths sake. We
spend the time very cheerful in singing and praying, reading and writing and
studying the language.
Saturday 5th; Spent this day as above in studying the language, still in confinement
with a guard placed over us. This imprisonment is illegal and not a shadow of
justice about it. It is the result of the missionary influence. (missionaries from
another church). This evening Elders Rice and Lawson, at a late hour,
accompanied by two natives, left us for Waimea while the guards were asleep.
They will try the civil authorities once more to see if something can’t be done for
us, or weather we must eternally lie down and be trampled underfoot as we always
have been. It is hard to get justice in this island as there are but few of the
authorities of the nation that live on this island. For that reason the missionaries do
as they please and are the ruling power.
*Sunday 6th; We spent the day as agreeable as could be expected under the same
circumstances although Bro. Keeler was very sick with the Lahaina fever. We
spent the time singing and praying and exhorting each other in the gospel. I spent
a portion of the time myself studying the language. In the afternoon Bro. Smith
and myself thought we would take a short walk from the room for exercise. As we
were somewhat tired and weary sitting all day. We were refused the privilege. We
were followed by a constable and ordered to go back to the room. I was mad
enough to have knocked his brains out with a rock. But for the knowledge of
Christ that are just newly begotten through the gospel, we were willing to endure
all things that we might save them in the kingdom of God.

45
*Monday 7th; We still remain prisoners. I give myself to studying the language as
much as possible and improving my mind. Although it is very tiresome we have to
take it sitting on the mats Indian fashion without a table to lay our books on or a
chair to sit on. This is a position very tiresome to me but we have to do so in order
to get at this people and have to manifest to them by mingling with them that we
are their friends and that we mean to do them good .
As soon as they gain confidence in us they will do anything we tell them. They
are as warm hearted as any people I ever saw. Although they are children, yes
babies, in knowledge and understanding it requires great wisdom, caution and care
to lead this people along to get them to understand correct principles.
Tuesday 8th; This day I spent as the above in study. There was quite an excitement
among the constables this morning in finding out that some of the prisoners had
made their escape. They threatened putting us in the stocks and making us fast, but
however did not do it. Our native Brethren are very good and kind to us. They are
very attentive in bringing us food. May the Lord speedily bless them with His
salvation and restore them from their low and degraded condition is my prayer.
Wednesday 9th; As I am still a prisoner and confined to my room and not having a
great deal to do I give myself this day to writing. I wrote a letter to my wife, Lehi
City, Utah Territory.
Thursday 10th; Spent the day in writing.
Friday 11th I spent this day also in writing. Although still in prison, we enjoy
ourselves. The Spirit of the Lord is with us. The native Brethren that are with us
are very cheerful and enjoy good spirit. We are continually singing hymns. The
native saints are very attentive in bringing us food so we live better than when we
are at liberty…
*Saturday 12th; This morning the first thing I gave myself to reading and studying
for a while. I then went to work and did some sewing. My shirts and pants wanted
a little repairing. Being confined I thought it a very suitable time to do such a job
as that. Although it is rather beneath the calling of an Elder of Israel. We have to
act according to the circumstances. In the afternoon there was a schooner came by
this way. I hurried to enclose a letter I had written to send to my wife- to the
mountains. I missed the chance for which I felt grieved not knowing when I shall
have another opportunity.
*Sunday 13th; We remained in the house and gave ourselves to studying the native
language. Was it not for the glorious hope of the future and the anticipation that

46
we have of mingling again in the presence of them we love we would be miserable
in deed. Was it not for the spirit of the gospel that is in us there is nothing for a
moment that would keep us here, but knowing that a dispensation of the gospel is
committed unto us and that we are the message bearers of salvation to the lost
sheep of the house of Israel feel that woe is unto us if we preach not the gospel.
Here are the legitimate sons of Jacob, poor and destitute forever to wander from
their Fathers home. For which I have left all things and am willing to endure a
season of every privation that may lie in my path.
*Monday 14th; Spent the greater part of the day reading and studying the language.
We sometimes exercise ourselves along the shore watching the natives go in the
sea and catch fish. It is astonishing to see the activeness of this people in the water.
It seems to be their element and they spend nearly half of the time in the water.
They take their fishing lines with them and go into the sea for hours. It is quite
amazing to watch them. As they catch the fish they string them around their
middle. When they catch a large fish they swim ashore and tow it by the line. I
have seen them in the water bate their hooks and then dive down and set the hook
at the mouth of a hole. Directly they pull out a large eel and drag him to shore.
This is the way that a portion of this people live particularly those living on the
seacoast.
Tuesday 15th Spent the greater part of this day in studying the natives language.
This afternoon our time is out. This is the 14th day that we have served. The
constable left us this afternoon without saying a word. I suppose to take our own
liberty. A great many of the Brethren came to see us and manifested great joy in
our deliverance.
Wednesday 16th This morning a number of the Brethren met and had a good time.
There were two native Elders preached. The Spirit of God was in our midst.
There were three candidates came forth for baptism. The place of our
imprisonment having a bad influence, but operated quite the other way. Some of
the people say they are more satisfied than ever the work is true. The greatest part
of the day I spent studying the language. In the afternoon we had a meeting again.
Bro Keeler and one of the native Elders preached. There was a good spirit
manifested in the meeting. The native saints manifested great faith in the work.
Thursday 17th. This morning we left Upolu where we have been in quarantine for
these last days. After breakfast we started for Honolulu [Honokane Valley]. In the
afternoon I felt very week and feeble and I got along with great difficulty. Our
breakfast consisted of just potatoes and salt which is not very substantial.

47
We inquired at several places for something to eat but got nothing till we got
within about a mile off Polano. Nachi, a respectable native saw us coming a long
and he invited us into his house and fed us well. May the Lord bless him for his
kindness to us. This man treats us well although he doesn’t belong to the church. I
hope he will obey the truth. We went down to the valley of Polano [Pololu] and
there remained for the night. We were all tired.
Friday 18th The first thing before breakfast we held a meeting. Bro. Keeler
preached. We then left for Honolulu as quick as we had eaten breakfast. It was
only about the distance of one and one half miles but over a very steep bluff. This
is on the seacoast and when it is low water we can get around the point with very
little trouble. The water being very big at this time we had to go over the bluff.
*The sun was powerful warm. * I was almost melted. After we got to Honolulu
and rested we went and had a bath. I felt quite refreshed. In the afternoon we
appointed a meeting and Bro. Keeler preached and laid before the Brethren some
of the items of the conference particular about the printing press and the printing of
the Book of Mormon. It took well and the Brethren seemed to be renewed with
fresh ambition and the idea of the printing of the Book of Mormon.
The Brethren all felt well and manifest a good spirit. Bro. Keeler and the native
that spoke had much of the spirit of God resting upon them. We stopped here for
the night and had some washing done as our clothes were all dirty.
Saturday 19th We held a meeting with the Brethren this morning the first thing.
After breakfast Elder Keeler and myself left for Palenka. We were accompanied by
several natives. Bro. Snider we left behind with two natives to preach. The
distance to Palenka is about 15 miles. The day was very warm and about two
o’clock I felt very weak for want of something to eat. We soon got an invitation to
eat. We went in and sat on the ground around a large pile of potatoes just baked.
We got some salt and ate a very hearty dinner after which I felt quite renewed in
my strength. We soon got to Palenka.
Sunday 2th; We had preaching four times today, baptized one and confirmed 11.
There has been 32 added to this branch this week. The prospect is flattering of a
good work being done. Many are inquiring for the truth and sending for the Elders
to come and preach to them. The Spirit of the Lord is working among many of the
people.
Monday 21st ; The horn was blown this morning by daylight for meeting. Elder
Keeler and one of the native Elders preached on the subject of printing the Book of
Mormon and possessing a printing press for our island to allow the coming forth of

48
the Book of Mormon by an angel to Joseph Smith. This is a principle that
animates the people very much.
After breakfast we left for Upolu the distance of about 12 miles. The day being
very fine. About noon we had the pleasure of sitting down to a calabash of good
poi, onions and fish. We then left leaving our blessings with them. About
sundown we got to Upolu where the brethren rejoiced to see us.
*Tuesday 22nd; Attended a meeting twice today, morning and evening. The
remainder of the day I spent in studying the language. This people are not like
*foreigners. They have no faculty for reflection. They want to hear all the time.
Wherever there is an Elder they will blow the horn before daylight for a meeting.
The same in the afternoon. On Sunday they will have meetings four times so that
it keeps an Elder all the time engaged.
*Wednesday 23rd; Attended meetings morning and evening. The balance of the
day I gave myself wholly to studying the language without which I feel very
deficient. I feel more and more every day the necessity of obtaining this language.
I constantly pray to my Heavenly Father that I may obtain the same in order to
accomplish the end for which I was sent to this people. It is hard to teach them to
understand principles and without a knowledge of the language it is impossible to
teach them.
*Thursday 24th; Spent the day at the above mentioned. I attended meetings
morning and evening. The balance of the day I devoted to my study. It is what I
crave and desire so much- a knowledge of this language.
*Friday 25th This morning after meeting we baptized two. The prospect is
flattering. We hear of great many, all over the country, inquiring for us and
waiting to be baptized as soon as we come that way. The remained of the day I
spent at my books.
Saturday26th This day I traveled about 16 miles. After I attended meeting with
Elder Keeler. This morning I left for Honekane. [Honokane] The day was pleasant
but very warm. I got there a little before noon and found Elder Snider there. He
was rejoiced to see me but not more than I was to see him. The society of my
Brethren is choice to me.
Sunday 27th I attended meetings twice here with two native Elders and two priests
who preached. Bro. Snider and myself know but little about the language and not
able to help but felt the Spirit of the Lord was in our midst and the Elders that
spoke had the spirit of God resting upon them. There was some baptizing to attend

49
to in the afternoon. It turned out to be a very stormy afternoon and had to be
postponed till another time.
Monday 28th The first thing this morning we attended meetings. This people are an
indolent, idol, lazy people who sleep half of the day and go to bed early.They rise
up very early and the first thing is to go to meeting particularly if there is an Elder
there.
After meeting we had breakfast which
consisted of poi and salt and a few Kukai
nuts roasted. The nuts are about the size
of a large Hickory nut. The natives use
them for light on a great many parts of the
islands. This nut is very oily and had a
very high flavor. After this hearty
breakfast we gave each other the parting
hand.
Elder Snider left for Palouka accompanied
by three natives on their way for Waipio which is about 35 miles. May the
blessings and spirit of their calling attend them where ever they go. I remained at
Honekane where I will stop for a *time doing my upmost to obtain the language.
This is the first time for me to be left by myself and have no one to interpret for
me. I think it would try the patience of Job if he were here. It is very harassing not
being able to talk but little to them.
Tuesday29th and Wednesday 30th; I gave myself wholly to studying accept
attending morning meeting.
*Thursday December 1st; As this is our general fast day I pointed that it should be
kept as such. We had meetings three times. I could not preach to them. They had
*to do their own preaching the best they know how. This mortifies my feelings and
stirs me up to greater diligence to get this language to teach this people those
principles that pertain to their salvation of which they are ignorant. They are also
very forward and will run into great extremes if not closely watched. Every day’s
experiences rest upon my shoulders with greater weight of getting this language.
Friday 2nd; Last evening Elder Keeler came here. I was glad to see him as there are
difficulties in this branch and I want straightening out. It was necessary for him to
come as he is acquainted with the language. We held meeting this morning and
gave out an appointment for the officers to meet in the afternoon. We attended and
there was a good spirit prevailed although there was many under transgression.

50
They manifested a spirit of repentance and covenant to forsake their sins and do
better. Elder Keeler had much of the spirit of God resting upon him. His teaching
*was with power. The poor natives thought that he knew all their secrets and came
forth to acknowledge their sins.
Saturday 3rd; The first thing this morning we attended meeting and had a good
time. The Brethren all felt well and learned to receive the instruction that was
given them with a good spirit. All difficulties were removed and forsaken. I spent,
in study, in the afternoon. We visited the sick and administered to them and
baptized two.
Sunday 4th; Attended meeting three times today and administered the sacrament
and baptized two. The spirit of the Lord was present to bless his saints and fill
them with joy and gladness.
Monday, December 5th 1853; The first thing this morning I met with the brethren
and then left for Upolu the distance of 16 miles. The day was pleasant to travel.
We called about the middle of the day to see Mr. Naihe where we got dinner and
then left and got to Upolu about four o’clock. I felt weary and foot sore. I don’t
feel so strong to travel in this hot climate. As I do in my mountain home.
Tuesday 6th- I remained in the house all day and gave myself wholly to studying
the language except attending meeting in the morning and evening. We have to do
this all the time among the Branches.
Wednesday 7th - I spent the greatest part of the day in writing. I wrote to a letter to
Bro. Allred on the island of Maui and also to the Brethren in Honolulu.
Thursday 8th - After I had attended meeting had got breakfast this morning I left
Upolu with the intention of opening new field of labor in ?. Traveled to Kapalauka
in company with Elder Keeler the distance of about 10 miles where we put up for
the night. I shall stop here perhaps until Monday tod o some writing and then I
shall leave this this region of the country all together for a ??
Friday 9th-This morning I got a horse of the Brethren’s and went to Kawaihae a
distance of 10 miles over a complete bed of rocks the awfullest road I ever traveled
with the expectation of finding letters at the post office but was disappointed. I
found none. I felt grieved indeed for I had made up my mind that I would have
gotten letters from home and from the Brethren in the different islands. I had to
return home without a single letter. That is the greatest difficulty on this island to
get letters. It is very discouraging not being able to hear from our friends oftener.
Saturday 10th I remained at the Palenka all day chiefly studying the language.
51
Sunday 11th Attended meeting two times administering the sacrament in the
afternoon. There was quite a gathering of people. The house was crowded to
excess and as many more outside. There is quite an excitement among the people.
All the saints felt well and a good spirit manifested in their midst. * The devil is
mad at our proceedings so great threats were made. There was a young man
baptized today and he is threatened to be taken up for breaking the Sabbath. I also
wrote a letter to Bro. Linon.
Monday, December 12th 1853. After I attended meeting this morning and ate
breakfast I left Kapalauka in company with two natives. The fore part of the day
was wet and rainy, rather disagreeable for traveling. We put up for the night at
Waimea, a distance of about 16 miles. I stopped at Mr. Beadle where I was very
kindly received and well treated. I think he is likely to obey the truth and gather
with the saints.
Tuesday 13th. We left Waimea for Waipio the distance of about 12 miles. The day
was fine and rather warm. This is the most beautiful country I have seen since I
have been on the Islands. About ten miles of the way is a heavy timber country
and great quantities of fruit hang on each side of the road, but not ripe. After we got
through the timber we commenced to descend a very steep outcrop into a valley on
the sea coast. The distance of about two miles. After we got to the bottom we had a
long stream to cross which I found very difficult. I hurt my foot considerably and
came near losing my shoe. The stream was very rapid and full of large rocks
which made it very hard to stand. I had not got here more than one hour before I
was overtook by Elders Keeler and Rice who I left the day before yesterday at
Kaplauka. They informed me that the meeting house there was thrown down to the
ground by a company of men headed by a Catholic Priest. We shall council
together and decide that course which the spirit and wisdom may dictate.
Wednesday 14th I attended meetings twice today. We met in counsel with Elders
Keeler, Snider and Rice that we may be led to take that council that will be right to
*defend the cause of truth in which we are engaged and that our enemies may be
brought to shame and contempt for their treatment to us.
Thursday 15th. Last night Elder Rice was taken sick. He had a very severe attack
of Choloramorlis. We got up and administered twice to him after which he found
great relief. In the morning we administered to him again and his pain has all left,
but he felt very weak. After breakfast. Bro. Keeler left for Waimea. I spent the
day in *study, reading and translating.

52
Friday 16th and Saturday 17th. I gave myself to study and remained in the house all
day. Saturday was very stormy and rained very heavy. I kept close to my books
reading and translating. I feel very anxious to obtain a knowledge of this language
that I may be able to teach this people the principles that God has revealed for their
salvation in these last days.
Sunday 18th I spent the day at Waipio with Elder Snider. We attended meeting
three times and read a letter from Bro. Hammond at Lahaina Island of Maui.
Monday 19th. This morning I left Waipio accompanied by two natives traveling
about 12 miles. The day was fine and pleasant. This is a most beautiful country. It
is the first time I have seen orange trees loaded with fruit. I put up for the night
with a foreigner, an Englishman, from the west of England who had located
himself in this place. He entertained us very kindly and told me to make his place
my home whenever I come this way. He was astonished beyond measure to hear
about Mormonism and seemed to be in favor of it.
Tuesday 20th. I remained at Mr. Hardy’s all day and had considerable fireside
preaching. He feels well disposed towards us and wishes me very much to call
again. He told me that his house was open for any of our people that came that
way.
Wednesday 21st. This morning we left Mr. Hardy’s and traveled all day. We
called at a great may places but found no one that wanted to hear us. The people
seemed to be afraid of us. I called upon a foreigner, but he seemed very cool and
did not manifest any disposition to hear any conversation. * However he gave me
as many oranges and bananas as I could pack. I suppose it was to get shot of me. I
felt truly thankful to him for the same and bid him good morning. We put up for
the night at a poor old natives house and received a little poi and salt for supper.
The best I suppose that the poor old man had.
*Thursday 22nd This morning the wind blew extremely hard and we were sitting at
breakfast partaking of poi and salt. The roof of the house commenced to fly away
with the wind and filled our poi with dirt. The house was likely to come down
around our heads. We quit and left leaving our blessing with the old man for his
kindness to us. We traveled all day calling upon many but found none that wanted
to know anything about Mormonism.
In the afternoon it rained considerable and was very disagreeable traveling. We
fell in company with a native traveling on the road who invited us to his house to
stop for the night. He was very kind and treated us well. He went to work and
prepared a turkey for our supper. He was not ready for Mormonism.

53
Friday 23rd This morning was very disagreeable traveling being wet and showery.
We did not travel very far this day. The roads were muddy and laborious to
navigate. About the middle of the afternoon we came to Laupehoehoe a long valley
on the sea coast where there was a good many inhabitants. We set down upon a
rock and were surrounded by a number of natives. We told them who we were and
what our business was. We inquired if anyone would open his house to us. We
would preach but no one would let us have a house. There was one native who
invited us to stop for the night. We accepted his offer and went and got dinner. I
was informed of two foreigners living close by and whom I went to see that night.
I was kindly received and remained with Mr. August Lide all night.
Saturday 24th The first thing after breakfast this morning Mr. A. Lide invited me to
call and see Mr. J. VanHouton who lived about a quarter of a mile from there. I
went and found him to be very much of a gentleman indeed. As the weather was
very unsettled and wet I came to stop with him until Monday and spent Christmas.
I found him to be a reasonable man and well educated possessing a goodly degree
of intelligence and common sense. I spent the day with him investigating
Mormonism and answering questions. He manifested a good spirit and says he
believes our doctrine to be the same as the ancients. But the great question in his
mind to decide is: Was Joseph Smith sent of God? I hope and pray he soon may
find out the joy and satisfaction of his heart. May the Lord bless him with the
Holy Ghost that he may know that Joseph Smith was a prophet.
Sunday 25th I spent the fore part of the day as the above searching the scriptures
and proving to an ockler demonstration that there was such a people, such a
gathering and such a kingdom as the Latter Day saints to arise in the last days,
which is beyond all contradiction if there is any truth in the scriptures. In the
afternoon we got the privilege to preach in a Calvinist meeting house to quite a
large congregation of natives. I don’t find it any different with the natives,
although ignorant, than any other class of people. They manifest the same spirit.
The congregation was divided. There was different spirits, some believe and some
fight and oppose it and others obey it. The same as it is among all peoples. We
baptized three this afternoon.
Monday 26th- I remained at Mr. VanHoutons all day. Spent the midst of the day in
writing. I wrote a letter to Bro. Johnson at Honolulu.
Tuesday 27th-The weather being very wet and stormy I remained in the house all
day and gave myself to studying the native language.

54
Wednesday 28th-It stormed all day and rained very hard. I remained in the house
and gave myself to study. I sent Pileo, a native Elder and my interpreter, to try
and open a place for preaching. I would follow him the next day.
Thursday 29th- This morning after I had eaten a little poi and a few shrimp for
breakfast. I took my valise and started. The day was very fine. I traveled some five
or six miles when I overtook my interpreter where he had come to stop. He had
come to a large Catholic church where there was a large congregation of people
gathered, it being their sacrament day.* He went to the priest and asked for the
privilege to preach in his church. He was quickly refused, however he commenced
to preach outside. The people all ran to hear the Mormon and left the old priest
with the bare walls. He had baptized six when I got to him which we confirmed in
the afternoon. There was a great many that day that believed our doctrine but they
are not quite ready yet to be baptized.
Friday 30th- I spent the day chiefly translating and conversing with the natives. * I
sometimes feel very lonesome but through the grace of God I can endure all things
that I am called to pass through for the gospel’s sake.
Saturday 31st- I spent the day in the house most of the time reading and studying
the native language. I sent James Pileo, my native interpreter round in the
neighborhood to come and hear us on the morrow which was the Sabbath. He
returned to me about work. He had baptized four and many want to come and hear
us tomorrow.
1854
Sunday- January 1st 1854-
Met together this morning according to previous appointment. There was quite a
good company collected together to hear us preach. After meeting there was 6
came forward for baptism which we attended to forth with and confirmed 10, four
that was baptized the day before. In the afternoon we organized a small branch of
22 members. We ordained a priest, 1 teacher, and 1 deacon. After some necessary
instructions the day was far advanced. We concluded to stop with them for the
night. They manifest a good spirit and intend putting up a meeting house forth
with.
Monday the 2nd- This morning we left Manalo with the intention to go to Hilo, the
distance of about 20 miles. We had not traveled more than 2 miles before we were
stopped on the road by a number of natives who demanded baptism at our hands,
eight in number. We attended to this forth with and confirmed them into the

55
church. After we had traveled some 15 more miles we put up for the night with a
foreigner by the name of Mr. Garret. We were very kindly entertained and he
manifested a friendly spirit but not a believer in any religion. He was somewhat
sophisticated in his beliefs but manifested some liberalism. He wished to examine
some of our books. He professed to believe in a great deal of our principles. I
bore a testimony to him of the truth of this work and now leave the result with
God, praying that he may be blest in as much as he has blessed me.
Tuesday the 3rd- It was a wet and stormy day. I remained in the house all day and
gave myself to study and reading. I received a letter from Br. Lawson. He is on
his way to Kau?
Wednesday the 4th- We considered to stop here all day and have our washing done
up as the day is fine. I received a letter this morning from Bro. Snider at Waipio.
He informs me that Mr. Walker is traveling in the mountains and that some lives
have been lost. These are not good tidings to me. I am sorry to hear such news. In
the afternoon I wrote a letter to Bro. Snider.
Thursday the 5th- This day I traveled some 12 miles. It was the hardest road that
ever I traveled in my life. This country is all cut up in ruins and it is very difficult
to travel. From 90 to one hundred gulches or ruins to cross over in the distance of
about 60 miles, some very steep and tiresome to get up and down. There were
many bad streams to cross. It rains in this region of the country the greatest
portion of time. It also appears to be very fertile. Sugar and coffee seem to be the
principle productions. There is some large sugar plantations and a great deal of
coffee but not as many as sugar. The coffee is a very beautiful plant. There is a
great deal of labor to attend to it. I put up for the night at an Englishman’s house
where there were three white men. They were very rough characters, men that had
followed the sea formerly. I was well enough treated but I did not feel that there
was a good spirit in that house. I felt shut up and it did seem as if the house was
filled with evil spirits. I felt miserable and was glad to get away in the morning.
Friday the 6th-I traveled 5 miles and put up for the night at a North Englishman’s
house where I was very ? I had quite an evening’s chat with Mr. Westicott on the
principles of our holy religion. He has nothing to say against our doctrine but the
great question is, “Was Joseph Smith sent of God?” Oh the unbelief and the
darkness that covers the minds of the children of men.
Saturday the 7th- This morning I came into Hilo after about three miles traveled.
Soon as it was known the Mormons had come I was soon stampeded by many
natives as if an elephant had come. I made inquiries if anyone would take me in

56
for the night but none to be found. The people are well fortified against the truth
through the missionary influence however there came along very soon a German,
Mr. Henry Schroder. He keeps a sailors boarding house and invited me to his
place and made me very welcome .During the course of the afternoon I had a
conversation chat with many, answering questions. The landlord is a German
Lutheran but is not bigoted.
Sunday the 8th- this morning I had considerable chat also with several. In the
afternoon I went to hear the Rev. Mr. Sloan preach. I heard a long sanctimonious
lesson read and as hypocritical as hell. Mr. Sloan preached in the forenoon to the
natives. And I was informed that the whole tenor of his discourse was against the
Mormons. He told the natives there were Mormon thieves who rob and were
adulators and this was the condition in Salt Lake. I felt grieved that I was not
confident in the native language to take it up.
Monday the 9th-As I was informed there was letters at the post office for the
Mormons I made my way there the first thing this morning. There was letters there
in deed and to my great surprise and astonishment I found 2 letters from my wife
and Bro. Tanner, one from Bro. Hammond, one from Bro .Allred and 2 papers of
the Deseret News. It was a first of things indeed to me and a time of rejoicing to
hear from my family and friends. It was grievous to hear of the Indians troubling
them and that lives had been lost. The after part of the day I spent in writing. I
wrote a letter to Bro. Hammond at Lahaina Island of Maui. I wrote a letter to Bro.
Lawson at Kau Island of Hawaii. Hilo is a beautiful location and a very fertile
place. Coffee is the principle thing that is raised here. The people are too heavy and
indolent. The hand of industry is not seen here. Vegetation will grow here the year
round-no difference winter or summer. Notwithstanding all the advantages they
have and the beautiful climate- yet they are wretched and miserable.
Tuesday the 10th- This morning after breakfast I took up my budget and left Hilo
not finding any openings for the present. I traveled some 12 miles. The day was
very close and sultry yet cloudy. It did appear that I would melt. We put up for
the night at a natives house who had been baptized the day before.
Wednesday the 11th-The day being wet and stormy and not fit to travel. I remained
in the house all day and gave myself to reading the Deseret News. While my
interpreter, Kefot preached and talked to the people about the remission of sin;
there were 2 came forward for baptism which we attended to and confirmed them
into the church.

57
Thursday the 12th- the first thing after breakfast this morning we preached to a
small company of natives. After preaching we baptized one. We then left for
Funnohua, the distance of about 10 miles and a very treacherous path to travel over
deep gulches up and down all the way. The day was close and sultry which made
it very laborious to travel. I was almost exhausted when I got to my stopping
place.
Friday the 13th- Today we lay by all day. I gave myself to reading and doing a
little writing.
Saturday the 14th.Very wet and unpleasant to travel. I remained in the house all
day and gave myself wholly to reading and translating the native language. I sent
my two native elder along with me, to preach to the natives. They returned in the
afternoon having baptized 4 through the course of the day. There were 2 men came
here to stop for the night as it was very wet and stormy and not fit to travel. When
my boys came in and commenced to preach Mormonism to them they would not
stop and started to hunt someplace else for the night. It is strange to think that
people could be so prejudice in so short a time, but so it is.
January Sunday the 15th-This morning I attended meeting according to an
assignment. The house was crowded full of natives and looked very respectable.
One of my native elders preached a lengthy discourse. The best of attention was
given and the spirit of the Lord seemed to accompany the ward. The people
appeared to be much interested. The close of the meeting we confirmed 4 that was
baptized the day previous. In the afternoon we met again and administered the
Lord’s supper and had a good time. The brethren all felt well and manifested a
good spirit. We also ordained 2 officers, 1 teacher and 2 deacons. The same
afternoon I left for Laupahoehoe the distance of about 6 miles. I had not gotten far
before it commenced to rain very heavy. I got sufficiently drenched thru before I
got to my stopping place. I put up for the night with a native white man.
Monday the 16th- It was very wet and disagreeable and not fit for traveling. I
remained in the house all the fore part of the day chiefly engaging with the man of
the house talking on the principles of Mormonism. After awhile when the weather
cleared up Mr. Augustus Lide says to me lets go to the water. I can’t hold out any
longer. I must acknowledge that Mormonism has overcome me for the first time.
We retired to the water. I baptize him and 2 natives and confirmed them by the
water side.
Tuesday the 17th- A very fine day and most extremely warm. The first thing after
breakfast this morning we ordained Bro. Lide to be a priest and to preside over a

58
small branch in his neighborhood who had just been baptized. I then left for
Waipio a distance of about 30 miles.
( Pages 122 and 123 are missing)
End of page 123-…….talking over the news of the valley which we received
through the papers which news is not very joyous to me and respecting their own
difficulties there. In the afternoon Elders Keeler and Linn came to land. We had a
time of rejoicing to see each other again and hear news from the Brethren on the
different islands.
Friday the 20th- This morning I attended meeting with my brethren. We had a
good time and the spirit of the Lord was in our midst. The greatest part of this day
I spent in writing. In the afternoon we had a trial meeting. One of our natives
Elder Jim? being guilty of adultery. He made acknowledgement and repented
before the church. We suspended him from his office and returned him home from
the field of his labor till conference.
Saturday, January the 21st- The greater part of the day I spent in writing a letter to
the Bro. Allred on the Island of Maui. I also wrote a letter to Utah Valley to my
daughter Catherine. In the afternoon I attended meeting. It was not a meeting that
was very interesting and one was cut off and suspended from his office all for
sexual intercourse. This is the great sin of this people and it is hard to get them to
leave it. Br. Keeler preached a lengthy discourse on the principles of virtue and the
necessity of leaving off their old practices and keeping the commandments of God.
Sunday the 22nd- The fore part of the day I spent in writing. In the afternoon I
attended a meeting where 3 were confirmed into the church. There appeared to be
a better spirit manifested in the Branch after a good ?
Monday January the 23rd-The first thing this morning before breakfast I attended
meeting. Bro. Keeler and Bro. Linn preached. There was a good spirit in the
meeting. If the native elders that were sent here would have kept themselves
straight this would have been a flourishing branch, but by their setting the wrong
example it has led the people into great sin which has caused a deal of trouble to
get them straight again. I gave myself to writing.
Tuesday the 24th- This day I spent wholly in writing. I wrote a letter to the brethren
at Honolulu Island. I wrote a letter to Utah Territory to my wife and family.
Wednesday the 25th- I remained in the house all day in company with Bro. Snider.
The greatest part of the time I spent in reading, translating and studying the native
language. Bro. Linn left us this morning for Kona. He has got our blessing. May
59
peace go with him and great success attend his ministry. He took Kami, a native
elder with him to assist him.
Thursday the 26th- This day I spent studying the language. That evening Bro.
Keeler returned from Upolu in companionship with George Raymond, a native
elder to stand trial, being accused of adultery.
Friday the 27th- The first thing before breakfast this morning I attended meeting.
Elder Keeler preached to a few this morning, it being wet and rainy not very many
came out to hear. The balance of the day I spent studying language reading and
translating.
Saturday the 28th- This morning the first thing, I attended a meeting in company
with Keeler and Snider, one of the native priest. He preached after which Bro.
Keeler spoke a short time. The rest of the day I spent as above with my books
studying the language, of which I feel very anxious to obtain that I may be able to
set forth before the people the object of my mission. For my doing good among
this people depends on my obtaining the language.
Sunday the 29th- This morning was wet and disagreeable. I gave myself to study
and reading. I attended meeting twice today. In the afternoon meeting George
Raymond confessed before the church of being guilty of adultery. He manifested a
spirit of sincere repentance. He was forgiven by the branch, but we deemed it
wisdom to suspend him from his office and take his license from him and get him
back until conference. There were several others made confession of being guilty
of the same crime which appears a very small matter to them. It is going to be a
hard matter for this people to observe the laws of chastity and virtue. It is contrary
to their nature and bringing up. It is taught them from their infancy to practice
deeds of licentiousness. Indeed those that are most corrupt and degraded in those
practices are looked upon as the most honored among this people especially the
females.
Monday the 30th- It rained all day without any stopping. I spent the day reading
and translating. I felt very unwell today and low in spirit and inactive in anything.
My time is taken up with the language. My time is taken up with the language
when I am not traveling.
Tuesday the 31st. It continues to rain all day and is not fit to go out of doors. I feel
worse today than I did yesterday. My health has not been good these few days
back. I feel low in spirit and stifled in my mind.

60
Wednesday February 1st-The weather still continues to be wet and stormy and
somewhat cold. This day I spent at my books studying the native language and not
feeling very well. I had Elder Keeler and Linn administer to me after which I felt
much better. In the afternoon I attended meeting. The weather being very
unfavorable not many came out to hear.
Thursday the 2nd- No change in the weather. It still continues to rain and is cold
and chilly. I have spent this day uncomfortable with the cold more so than I have
been since I came to the Islands. This day we fasted being the first Thursday of the
month. We attended meeting two times this being the first Thursday in the month.
We attended meeting 2 times. The people manifested a great deal of indifference
and coldness. Not much spirit in their midst, although the day was very
unfavorable for meeting, it being cold and a poor place to meet.
Friday February the 3rd- It has rained all week without ceasing till now. This
morning it seems to clear up and be a fine day. Bro. Keeler left us this morning for
Kapalenka the distance of some 25 miles which will be very disagreeable to travel
after so much ran and a bad road at that. There is about 10 miles of the road
having timber on the mountain and it is always wet and miry and is difficult to
cross in wet weather. It is not like going to heaven in golden slippers preaching the
gospel on these lands or islands. The servants of God have to encounter many
things in what they do in other nations in order to get at this people. You have to
lay aside everything that we have been brought up to like respecting the principles
of decency, respect and good manners. We practice a moving civilized community
in order to get to the good feeling of this people.
Saturday, February the 4th 1854- This morning finds the atmosphere clear and a
strong wind which blows the spray of the sea up against the house where we
stopped in Waipio which was close on the beach. The sea was very tempestuous
and the sea was high. This day I gave myself to reading and translating the native
language altogether. Except for about half a mile walk for exercise in the
afternoon. We also had some coconut to eat.
Sunday the 5th- I attended meeting twice today in company with Elder Snider.
There was a very good gathering of people and the house was crowded full. In the
afternoon we administered the sacrament. The spirit was manifested in the
meeting. There was 3 added to the church by baptism, ?kaeka ordained a teacher
and administered to the sick twice.
Monday the 6th-The first thing this morning before breakfast we baptized 3 in
Waipio. Afterwards I left for the county of Hilo. The morning was fine and

61
beautiful when we started. We had not gone far before it continued to rain and
storm. The afternoon was very disagreeable and bad to travel. We put up as soon
as we could for the night. We were not very well accommodated but that is
nothing strange in this country. We were wet and had to remain all night without
any fire or any clothes to change ourselves.
Thursday the 7th-This morning after we had partook of a little poi and salt for
breakfast. We prepared again for another start. The morning was very dreary and
cloudy with some small showers of rain which made it very muddy and
disagreeable traveling. After we traveled 10 miles we put up for the night with a
foreigner by the name of Mr. Garret. We were very kindly entertained and he
manifested a friendly spirit. He was not a believer in any religion and somewhat
sophisticated in his views. He manifested some liberal principles and but wishes to
examine some of our books. He professes to believe in a great deal of our
principles. I bore a faithful testimony to him of the truth of this work and leave the
results with God, praying that he may be blessed in as much as he has blessed me.
Wednesday the 8th- This morning I left Mr. Garret with a warm invitation to call
again. The day was dark and cloudy and somewhat showery. We traveled 9 or 10
miles before we got to Laupahoehoe which we found to be very laborious and bad
traveling. We got to Bro. Lides a little before dark. I found him well enjoying the
spirit of the gospel which made my heart rejoice. There was a gentleman traveler
put up there for the night. He was a man of talent and high learning formerly from
Yorkshire in England. He is a doctor by profession and has principally navigated
the globe. He professed to be a Protestant of the Church of England and his father
a clergyman of the same. I had quite a lengthy interview with him on the
principles of religion. He professed great veneration for the bible but when
brought to the standard of the truth contained therein he denied it flat and rejected
all the simple principles of the gospel taught by Jesus Christ and his apostles. It is
astonishing to see men of learning so ignorant and so blind as the teachings in the
gospel of Jesus Christ. Still he acknowledges there is something astonishing about
Mormonism that he could not comprehend. But He accepted prejudice of
education and the traditions of the fathers blinds the minds of children and men
and shuts out every spark of faith. Br. Lide is just newly begotten enough in the
gospel but he bore a faithful testimony to the gentleman of the truth of this work
and that he had received a testimony for himself according to the declaration of the
servant of God. He said he knew that he had received that spirit of promise by the
Savior in the gospel and preached by the Mormons. It made me rejoice to hear a
young convert so boldly declare and testify to the truth of this work. I know it was
by the spirit that he did the same.

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Thursday the 9th- The forepart of the day I spent writing. In the afternoon I
attended a meeting and baptized 3, one native and 2 Chinese. The evening was
very agreeable at Mr. Van Houtons, investigating the principles of Mormonism and
talking over things which God had revealed in these last days.
Friday the 10th-Saturday the 11th- I spent time at Mr. Van Houtons. On Friday
night he came forth and obeyed the gospel. This is the second foreigner that I have
baptized since I have been on these islands. I pray God this may continue to the
end.
Sunday the 12th. This morning I left Bro. Van Houtons in company with Bro. Lide
and some native brethren to attend meeting. We had to go some 5 or 6 miles. The
morning was wet and very disagreeable traveling. We administered the Lord’s
supper and had a very good meeting. The spirit of the Lord was manifested in our
midst. There was 2 baptized and I ordained Bro. Lide to the office of an elder and 1
native priest and 2 teachers.
Monday, February the 13th- I stopped in the house all day and gave myself wholey
to studying the native language. The day was very wet and stormy and not fit to go
outdoors. I spent the day somewhat disagreeable. I felt low in spirits and a cloud
of darkness hung over my mind. It is mortifying to me while traveling among this
people to see their ways and the manner in which they live and not to be able to
express my feelings to them or tell them what I want. At the same time all the
opposition and slander that the missionaries can hatch up and contend against I feel
? sometimes because I cannot give vent to my feelings.
Tuesday the 14th-This day I spent at my study reading and translating which takes
up all my time and attention and gives but very little progress which is very
discouraging to me. The weather is very unsettled at present and rains mostly
every day. It is the season of the year for the rains and is nothing new here. There
was some sharp claps of thunder today. The first that I have heard since I have
been on these islands. It was followed by some very heavy rain all day more or
less.
Wednesday the 15th- This morning the rain descended in mighty torrents and seems
to increase daily. The sea is very high and not passable. Everything is flooded. I
spent the day in reading and study as usual trying to get hold of this language that I
may be able to teach this people. Where I am stopping at present there is not less
than 12 or 16 natives living in the same house. Some Catholics, Calvinists and
some Mormons. You can scarcely know the difference one from another, Catholics
from Mormons and Mormons from Calvinists. They all partake of the same spirit

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?. I feel at times discouraged and ready to think it is no use to try and do anything
with this people. Then again I think all natives and people have to hear this gospel
and that this people come within this scope. Believing them to be a branch of
Israel is the only thing that stimulates me and enables me to endure everything that
is contrary to my natural feelings and to become beneath things to get at this
people but you have to have the language or else you won’t accomplish much.
Thursday the 16th – It still continues to storm and rain with very little intermission
and not fit for traveling. The first things this morning it rained very heavy and
continued to do so all day. The fore part of the day I did some writing and in the
after part I spent in studying the language. The house was full today with natives
making mats. I mingled with them as much as possible and made myself as
sociable with them as I can to get the language.
Friday the 17th-No change in the weather. It still continues wet and stormy. I
pursue my usual study and translate to get the language which is not a very easy
matter. I sit down day after day. It is a new course of life altogether and not
agreeable to my constitution. There is nothing except a realization of the duty I
owe to my priesthood and calling as a minister of Christ that would induce me for
a moment to stop here and live in this manner that I have. There is nothing I can
think of would be any temptation but my high calling prompts me and enables me
to sacrifice everything that is dear to me in this life. Freely I received and wish
freely to give the same to others that it might be said of me well done thou good
And faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee
ruler over many.
Saturday the 18th- A strong wind and the skies clear. It is a find day, the first we
have had for this week. It has rained the all the week with very little exception and
not fit to go out of doors. I sent, as the balance of the week, at my books studying
the language. I attended meeting twice today. There were very few attended. The
native brethren have been kind to me and manifested a good spirit.
Sunday the 19th-The day was fine and dry and very pleasant. I attended meeting
three times and a good time was had. Bro. Van Houten came 5 or 6 miles this
morning to a meeting. He is a young but newly begotten through the gospel and
feels full of love and zeal for the truth. We had a good time. There was a god
turnout of natives. We enjoyed ourselves. There was a good spirit manifested in
our meetings and the natives all felt well. There was 2 came forth and obeyed the
gospel. In the afternoon I went home with Bro.Van Houten and spent the evening
very greatly conversing on the principles of our holy religion and singing some of
the songs of Zion. Bro. Lide had also baptized 3 into the church. Today in that

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small branch another foreigner just newly begotten through the gospel. He lives
with Bro. Van Houten and both of them want to be useful. They are men among
men and I pray God grant and keep them faithful to the end.
Monday the 20th-Wet and stormy again. I spent the day at Bro. Van Houtens
studying the language and improving myself the best I know how. In the afternoon
I ordained Bro. Houten an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ and I pray that the
spirit of his office may rest upon him continually, Amen.
February Tuesday the 21st – I gave myself to study and reading the native
language.
Wednesday the 22nd- Gave myself to study. In the afternoon I attended meeting.
There was a good spirit manifested among the people. The prospects are flattering
and many are inquiring after the truth.
Thursday the 23rd and Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th-I remained at Bro Van
Houten’s house studying the language as the weather is very broken and rained
most of the time and is not fit to stir around.
Sunday the 26th- A very wet and stormy day and not fit for anyone to head out.
However we had a nice little gathering and a good spirit manifested.
Monday the 27th-I spent all the week at Bro. Houten’s studying the language. It
rained all week and not fit for traveling as the streams were not passable. The
water comes down from the mountain with great violence and are unfit to cross.
They are so dangerous lives have been lost. There are holes and cataracts coming
from the mountains so fast it would make your hair stand on end just to look at
them. When the waters are high it really looks frightful. If anyone gets into these
holes, no matter native or white man. Several have fallen into them and that was
the last of them. They were never seen again. The natives, that are like fish, in the
water, dare not go into these holes. It is supposed there is a tunnel in some that
runs under to the sea and sucks everything under that goes into it. This last month
I have been weather bound all the time. There has only been 2 days this past month
that it has not rained every day. There is nothing but mud and water over the face
of the ground so that it is difficult to get around.
Thursday, March 2nd-This afternoon I received some letters from the Elders on the
different islands and two from Elder Hammond. One from Lahaina Ihouse from
Maui, one from Elder Johnson, and one from Elder Tanner, Honolulu Island and
one from Elder Snider in Waipio District of Hamakua. It is always cheering to me
to hear from my brethren and refreshing to my spirit to learn some little of the

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news of the day. Because I cannot hear nor learn but little in this isolated corner of
the earth. I also received 2 papers of the Deseret News which was a rich repass to
my soul.
Friday the 3rd- I spent all day reading the news which was food to my soul.
Although I was sorry to hear of their troubles in the mountains and their difficulties
with the Indians and more so because of some of the brethren being killed. Yet I
was made to rejoice to hear of the signs of the times. I know it is alright. The hand
of the Lord is in it all. His hand is also upon the nations and his People also.
Everything bespeaks the day of the Lord is nigh at hand. The prophecies are
fulfilling among the nations. Light is in the heavens above the earth, war and
pestilence is making rapid strides. Men’s hearts are fading and fear is taking hold
of things as they behold the things that are upon the earth.
Saturday the 4th-About noon I left Bro. Van Houtens and started for Manlua the
distance of about 6 miles in order to be there Sunday to administer the Lord ’s
Supper which I found very difficult and bad traveling. I did manage to get there
without much rain. It was very close and warm. I felt like as if I would almost
melt. I feel very weak and not strong for traveling. I met Bro. Keolamie this
evening at Solomons. I had sent him ahead some 2 or 3 days precious to preach to
the people. He baptized 5.
Sunday the 5th- I attended meetings twice in the afternoon. We administered the
sacrament. There was a good spirit manifested in the meeting. After the
aforementioned meeting 2 came forward and obeyed the gospel. There was 2
administered to for their health. This is a hard place and the people are greatly
prejudice even though no effort is lacking on the part of the missionaries and they
keep coming into the church all the time. The greatest difficulties that seems to be
in the way is not having the language to teach them their duties. Very few of them
have got any idea of the gospel whatsoever. They want much teaching and want a
great deal of wisdom and patience to do it.
Monday the 6th- I remained at Solomons all day. He is a native priest and is a
useful man among the natives and has considerable influence. His loss is much
lamented among the Calvinists as he formerly was a teacher among them. They
have tried all means to get him back but it is no use. He seems to be steadfast. I
think he has got too much truth to be gulled any longer. This forenoon I did some
writing. This afternoon I gave myself to study as usual.
Tuesday the 7th- I remained at Solomons all day. I could get no further as it
continued to rain all the time and not able to get out. The streams are not fordable

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and are dangerous to cross. I gave myself to reading and study as much as possible
and improving myself in the native language. In the afternoon I was sent for to go
and administer to one of the native brethren that was taken sick. It was a distance
of about 2 miles which I found to be very difficult. One stream I had to cross was
dangerous however I got over by the assistance of 2 native elders and some
exertion and without getting wet.
Wednesday the 8th-I still remain at Solamons and give myself chiefly to studying
the language not being able to get to my appointment. It continues to rain mostly
all the time, some of it the heaviest I think I ever saw. The water comes down the
gulches with great fury and are not safe to cross. Br Solomon is one of the best
natives that I have at yet come across. He is very kind to me and possesses a good
spirit. I am better accommodated at his house than at most of the native’s places
that I stop at. I have room to stand up straight in his house and something to sit on.
His house is also clean for a native. These are accommodations you will not find
in many native houses.
Thursday, March the 9th-This morning I was impressed in my mind to leave for
Kawaihae. This is a distance of some 50 miles to attend conference as the time
was drawing nigh to meet. With the difficulty in traveling I thought I would start
in time although I was told by the natives that I could not cross the streams, saying
it was impossible to go. I started in company with my native interpreter Keolanui. I
stripped off my shoes and stockings, rolled up my trousers and traveled some 8
miles through mire and water knee deep most of the way. Some bad stream were
difficult to cross but I managed to get over them by the assistance of my native. It
continued to rain most of the way. I got to Bro. Van Houtons a little before dark.
The afternoon was dark and dismal and the thunder loudly bellowed as it traveled
across the sky in awful grandeur. This is the second time I have heard thunder
since I have been on the islands. We had only got in the house when the rain
commenced to fall in mighty torrents seemingly as if water works from on High
was let loose to cover the earth with another flood. However I think we will get
fine weather after this. When I got to Bro. Van Houtons I found Bro. Lide there.
He was laboring under great distress of mind. He said he was a miserable man
since he was baptized and almost wished he had never heard a Mormon, but says
he, “I know Mormonism is true and that is what makes me miserable.” I did not
know what to think of him. I kept encouraging him as much as possible however
he burst into tears and could not retain his feelings any longer. “Brethren”, said he
“I would as soon have a ball put through me as relate to you my feelings, but I am
constrained to do it.” He said that he had a vision and that a personage had
appeared to him 4 different times informing him that he had yet to go to China

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which was very reluctant to his feelings and troubled him very much. He made up
his mind not to go to Salt Lake that he might not be sent. On the evening of the 9th
of March the vision appeared to him again. He saw the same personage appearing
to be a young man informing him that he was no nearer to be saved than he was
before he was baptized. He also told him to do his first works over again before
another night passed over his head. He said my servant will tell you what to do.
He started to come to me the next morning and got about 1 ½ miles when it
commenced to rain. He went into a house to shelter where the tempter reasoned
him out of it. He turned about and went back, however like ??of old was sent to
Saul of Tarsus. I said to Bro Thull “why ? thou arise and be baptized and wash
away thy sins. So I came to him and baptized him that same night. I found that he
was under transgression and had broken his first covenant for which he had
manifested true repentance, after which he was made free and feels to rejoice again
in truth.
Friday the 10th- I remained at Bro. Van Houtons. I spent the day chiefly in writing,
attended meeting twice in the afternoon, but very few came to hear.
Saturday the 11th- I also gave myself to reading and writing. The day was very wet
and stormy.
Sunday the 12th- I attended meeting twice today. In the afternoon we administered
the sacrament. There were but very few attended. We had a rather dull time. For
the last 2 months the weather has been so broken it has not been fit to go out of
doors. There has not been but 2 days for this last 5 weeks but what it has been
pouring rain. It is a disagreeable time and very discouraging. Everything is
spoiling- my clothes and books and no way to dry them.
Monday the 13th- I intended to start this morning for M?? but it rained so heavy
and the streams so high that I was not up for it.
Tuesday the 14th- This morning I thought I would make a trial and make the best of
my way to Waipio as the time of conference is nie at hand. The prospects of my
getting there were mixed with a great deal of uncertainty. However this morning I
made a trial. The first stream that I came to I got over by striping, not without
some little difficulty. The second that we came to was too rigorous and I dare not
attempt it. We turned back to Bro. Van Houton and will wait till the water is
down.
Wednesday March the 15th-A change in the weather this morning, a strong wind
and the sun can be seen once more which is very cheering after so much dull
weather. I hope it may continue to be dry till I get over the streams. It has been a

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rare thing to see the sun for these five weeks back. This is a fine day and the
streams are lowering fast I think I shall be able to travel to.
Thursday, March the 16th- This morning I left Bro. Van Houtons and started for
Waipio the distance of some 30 miles. The day was wet and very disagreeable
traveling. But yesterday and last night it was somewhat dryer and the streams had
gone down so I was able to get over them. I traveled some 10 or 12 miles and got
very wet. I put up for the night at Mr. Simmons. He is a foreigner and feels well
disposed towards the Mormons. He treated me well.
Friday the 17th- This morning I left Mr. Simmons with a kind invitation to call
again. The day was fine and good traveling, even the best we have had for this 6
weeks. About sundown I got to Waipio after traveling some 20 miles. I felt very
tired and much fatigued but when I got there my heart was made to rejoice in
meeting with my brethren, Elders Lawson and Snider. And that’s not all but to
find letters from the different island elders, one from my wife and family and the
Deseret News. It was a time of refreshing for me as we don’t often get such a
chance on this isolated part of the island. We are much distanced from the news of
the times here and only get a little now and then and that at a late date.
Saturday the 28th. This morning I felt stiff and sore after my journey yesterday
and I had a most violent headache which I have had for some time. I have not been
well for these last several weeks laboring under a most violent cold. I gave myself
wholly to reading the Desert News this day which blessing I highly appreciate. It
was a rich repass to my soul.
Sunday the 19th- I attended meeting twice today. In the afternoon the Sacrament
was administered. There was a very respectable congregation of natives who
turned out and a good spirit was manifested.
Monday the 20th-I spent the day chiefly in writing a letter to my wife in Lehi City,
Utah Valley.
Tuesday the 21st- In the forepart of the day I gave to reading but I had such a
violent head ache I could not settle myself to anything. In the afternoon Elders
Keeler and Linn arrived here accompanied by many native elders and priests to
attend conference. As our general April conference was postponed till the 24th of
July owing to existing circumstances. I was glad to meet with the elders once
more and to mingle my feelings with theirs which is cheering to my heart.
Wednesday March the 22nd-This morning 5 of us elders met together in council:
Lawson, Keeler, Snider, Linn and Karren to take into consideration and talk over

69
things and matters related to our proceeding on this island. We also organized the
conference. Karren was nominated president pro-tem and Elder Lawson clerk. In
the afternoon we met with the native officials to instruct them in their several
duties. Elder Keeler being the best speaker in the language addressed the native
officials on their several duties, after which many made us knowledgeable of their
negligence and neglect of duty.
*Thursday the 23rd- Elders Karren, Keeler, Lawson, Snider and Linn met again this
morning in council according to previous appointment. We called upon the Lord
for the inspiration of his Holy Spirit that we might be led to the proper course to
pursue towards this people that they may enjoy the blessings and spirit of the
gospel. This branch has never manifested a good spirit but has always been in
difficulty. Afterwards we had a general meeting with the officials and much
instruction was given. The propriety of the printing press was laid before the
people for their consideration and also the principles of the gathering. Elders
Snider and Linn urged upon the people the necessity of keeping the
commandments of God and living virtuous lives, showing that the day of the Lord
was nigh at hand. There was a better spirit manifested than had been for some
time. Several native elders spoke very spirited.
Friday the 24th-The forepart of the day I spent in writing. In the afternoon we met
with the officers and elder Keeler laid before them many principles for their
consideration and exhorted them to strict obedience to the same.
Saturday the 25th- I spent the day in writing to the brethren on the different islands.
Sunday the 26th- I attended meeting this morning in company with Elders Lawson,
Keeler, Snider and Linn. There was quite a respectable company of natives
collected together. One of the native elders preached a powerful discourse on the
first of the gospel messages. In the afternoon we met again. Bro. Keeler addressed
the congregation. He was followed by elder Linn and by some native elders.
There was a good spirit manifested and the people felt well.
Monday the 27th- I occupied the day chiefly in writing. I wrote a letter to Bro.
Tanner in California.
Tuesday the 28th- the first thing this morning we attended meeting. After breakfast
Elder Lawson and myself left for Waimea. On our way we called to see Mr.
Wood, an Englishman, who has resided in the country for some 29 years. He has
got a native wife and one daughter. We took dinner with the old gentleman using
the floor for a table and a mat for a tablecloth. He was more than kind to us and
we enjoyed ourselves.

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Wednesday the 29th-I spent the day in Waimea, had a considerable chat among the
foreigners and offered them our services to preach for them if any would open their
houses. The foreigners on this island seem to be very friendly and favorable to our
doctrine, but are very indifferent to obey the truth.
Thursday the 30th- After partaking of a most delicious breakfast this morning I
made preparations to return to Waipio. Bro. Lawson accompanied me a short
piece of the way. After which we shook hands and commended each other to the
Lord until we meet again. I was accompanied by an Englishman by the name of
Mr. Hardy. He has quite a disposition to investigate Mormonism. A has good
spirit and gave me a pair of shoes. May the Lord bless him with His Holy Spirit
that he may understand the truth and the Savior in His kingdom is my prayer. I got
to Waipio just at dark having to come down a very steep part of the mountain. I
felt much fatigued.
Friday the 31st- This morning I felt very unwell and lay down most of the forenoon
having taken cold last night after wading through the creeks after coming down the
mountain.
Saturday, April the 1st- The greatest part of the day I occupied myself in writing. I
wrote a letter to John Karren, Lehi City, District, Utah Valley.
Sunday, April the 2nd- I attended meeting twice today. Elder Linn preached, being
the best in the language, in the forenoon. A goodly number came to hear but very
few came in the afternoon. There is quite an indifferent spirit manifested in this
place.
Monday the 3rd. This morning Elder Snider and myself left Waipio. We were not
well prepared for our journey having but a light breakfast. The day was extremely
close and sultry. We both felt weak and feeble. I never felt more so in my life. It
was with great exertion that we managed to get to Mr. Hardy’s, the distance of
about 10-12 miles where we put up for the night. We spent the evening, to a late
hour, with Mr. Hardy talking about Mormonism and the progress of the kingdom
of God in the last days. Mr. Hardy manifested a good spirit and is much in favor of
our doctrine. I pray that he may obey the gospel and be saved in the Kingdom of
God.
Tuesday the 4th- Myself and Bro. Snider remained at Mr. Hardy’s all day. We
chiefly occupied the time in reading and gave ourselves to prayer that the Lord
would pour out his spirit upon the people that they might understand the truth.

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*Wednesday the 5th-This morning Elder Snider and myself as we were about to
separate for a season retired to the woods to pray. We laid our hands on each
other’s heads and blessed each other in the name of the Lord. We then shook
hands and parted commending each other to our Father in Heaven. I then started
and traveled some 2 miles and got to Bro. Van Houtens a little before dark where I
put up for a short time. I was warmly received and made to rejoice in beholding the
spirit manifested. I stopped at Bro. Van Houtens the remainder of the week giving
myself to prayer and study.
Sunday the 9th-I attended meeting twice in the afternoon administering the
sacrament to a small company of brethren. The native elders and priests did most
of the speaking and had much of the spirit. There was good attention given and all
seemed well edified and manifested an excellent spirit. There was 4 added to the
church by baptism.
Monday April the 10th-I left Br. Van Houtens this morning to visit the next branch
a distance of about 7 miles. I was accompanied by 2 native elders and priests. I
put up at Solomon’s for the week and gave myself to study most of the time. Bro.
Solomon is a native elder and one of the best natives that I know.
Tuesday the 11th- I gave myself to study and reading all day.
Wednesday the 12th- The fore part of the day I gave myself to reading the
scriptures. About noon Bro. Lide came along and stopped with me till the next
morning. We spent the afternoon together very comfortably conversing on the
principles of our holy religion. Bro. Lide is a young convert and is full of zeal and
feels of the spirit of emigrating at the first opportunity.
Thursday the 13th- I gave myself wholly to study and reading. I feel somewhat
lonesome and low in spirits and gave myself too much prayer that I might have the
spirit of God to be with me in my lonesome hours.
*Friday the 14th- This forenoon I went to administer to some that were sick. The
remainder of the day I gave myself to reading and translating. This evening just as
I was about to start the calabash of poi there was a native put a letter into my hand
from Bro. Tanner informing me that he had left for California on a mission to get a
vessel in operation for the gathering of this people. I hope he may be successful on
his mission.
Saturday the 15th- The first thing this morning I set myself down and wrote to Bro.
Tanner, a letter to California. The balance of the day I spent studying the native
language.

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Sunday, April the 16th- I attended meeting twice but the day was wet and stormy
and not very many turned out in the afternoon. I administered the sacrament to a
few. They all felt well and seemed to enjoy the spirit.
*Monday the 17th- I gave myself to writing all day. I wrote a lengthy letter to
Samuel Bennion, Great Salt Lake.
Tuesday the 18th-I gave myself to studying the native language and translating.
Wednesday the 19th-This morning I left Solomons for Hana?, the distance of about
10 miles. I was accompanied Bro. Solomon and a native elder Luoamis and a
priest. We got to Hana? early in the afternoon after which we held a meeting. The
branch is small but fine members. The meeting was not long but manifest a good
spirit. My native elder and priest both spoke very spirited and the natives seemed
much edified.
Thursday the 20th-I remained at Kaawes all day and gave myself to close study of
the native language.
Friday, April the 21stand Saturday the 22nd- I remained at Kaawes the whole time
and gave myself to the study of the native language with the exception of attending
meeting morning and evening.
Sunday the 23rd- Today I attended meeting 3 times in the afternoon administering
the Lords supper. There was a good turnout both morning and evening. My native
Elder and Priest spoke well and an old woman came forth and obeyed the gospel
just before she dropped into her grave. There seemed to be quite an excitement
among the people yet there is a backwardness to obey the gospel. These people
have got their prejudices to grapple with, as great as any other people and it
requires time and patience and perseverance to get at them. The spirit of the Lord,
without which you cannot do anything, is here and there seems to be a good spirit
manifested. The meetings were attended and the prospects are that a good many
will come into the church in this vicinity of the country.
Monday, April 24th- The first thing this morning the horn blew before I got out of
bed. I got up and attended a meeting which was appointed for the officers. After
breakfast there were three came forth and obeyed the gospel. After I attended to
the confirmations I left for Makahanaloa, the distance of about 5-6 miles where the
work is just taking a starting and appears open for preaching. I got there early in
the day and had a meeting in the afternoon after which there were 3 came forth and
were baptized.

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Tuesday the 25th –The first thing this morning there was a woman came forth for
baptism which was attended to forth with. The fore part of the day I spent studying
and translating the native language. In the afternoon I called to see Mr. Burk,
another Englishman. They are both old residents on these islands from 20-30
years. I put up with them for the night and in the evening I endeavored to preach
to them the gospel of Jesus Christ which God restored to the earth in these latter
days. It did not seem to take much effect. How indifferent and what a profound
sleep the children of men seem to be in, led often by the devil at his will down to
disaster. Some go one way and some the other, every man pursuing his own
course. The missionaries have told us if we were doing well in Salt Lake why not
stop there where all was peace and safety. They did not want us to come and
trouble them. Well might the Prophet say darkness has covered the earth and gross
darkness the minds of the people. Not with standing these men treated me very
kindly and manifested no disposition to oppose or persecute.
Wednesday the 26th- This morning the first thing I occupied a short time in writing
a few lines to Bro. Johnson after which I bid Mr. Burk good morning and left him.
I called in to see Mr. Week and spent the forenoon with him conversing on the
principles of our religion, after which we took dinner. I then left him and bid him
good bye, leaving the result in the hands of the Lord. This afternoon I felt unwell
and lay down on the mats most of the afternoon.
Thursday the 27, Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th I gave myself wholly to
studying the native language and translating.
Sunday the 30th- Early this morning before breakfast I attended meeting after
which one young man came forth and was baptized. I attended meeting 3 times
today and had a great many hearers of all kinds, some were Catholic, some
Calvinists, some Mormons and some Chinese. My native Elder and Priest spoke
very spirited and good attention was given. In the afternoon I organized a Branch
in this place ordaining one Priest, one Teacher and one Deacon. The branch
consisting of 23 in all.
Monday, May the 1st- I was informed yesterday of letters being at Hilo for the
Mormon Elders and had been there for a long time and were about to be sent back
to Honolulu. I sent my native Elder the first thing this morning and he brought me
back 5 letters all from the Brethren on different islands. It is cheering to me at all
times to hear from my Brethren and refreshed my spirit much. I spent the day in
reading and writing.

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Tuesday the 2nd- The fore part of the day I spent in writing. I wrote a letter to Bro.
Farrer on the Island of Kauai. In the afternoon I left Makahanaloa for Hanamu.
After we got there in the later part of the day we held a meeting. The branch is
small but manifest a good spirit and we were warmly received. We put up there
for the night.
Wednesday the 3rd- The first things this morning we attended meeting again after
breakfast. We made preparations to leave for Mauloa but the morning was wet and
unfavorable for traveling and it was late in the day before we got started. The
Brethren manifest great love for me and wished for me to come back. One of the
sisters made me a present of 2 new shirts. May the Lord bless her in my prayers.
We got to Manloa a little before dark and I was very weak and fatigued. Stayed for
the night with one of the native brethren. He manifested great kindness to us.
Thursday the 4th- This morning I left for Laupahoehoe. It was wet and showery
and unfit for traveling. About 10 o’clock it cleared up and we started for
Laupahoehoe to hold a meeting that afternoon. I got there early and after getting
something to eat we made preparation for meeting. To my great astonishment I
was informed that there were 5 of the foreign elders at Bro. Houtens, Elders
Cannon, Allred, Keeler, Lawson and Snider. I went forthwith to Bro. Houtens
where I met with the brethren. It was a time of much joy and gladness for me since
I have not seen them for 6 months. I was followed by the natives which were also
anxious to see and hear the brethren. After we had expressed our feelings and
gratitude and joy to each other we held a meeting with the natives. Elder Cannon
preached and a good time was had by all. Elder Cannon had great liberty in
speaking and all felt well. The natives seemed extraordinarily joyful. We spent
the evening, to a late hour, talking over the events of the last 6 months, our
operations and success in our different fields of labor. I esteem it a great blessing
to meet with my brethren. Their counsel is sweet to me and it refreshes my soul
after a long absence of 6 months.
Friday, May the 5th- The first things in the morning before breakfast we attended a
meeting. Elders Allred, Keeler and [Jonathan] Napela a native elder preached.
Elder Cannon closed the meeting by making a few remarks. There was much of
the spirit of God in the meeting and all were blessed and edified. After meeting
there were 3 came forth for baptism which was attended to by Elder Cannon. We
spent the day together very agreeable talking over matters and reading the Deseret
News. In the afternoon we attended meeting again. Elders Cannon preached with
much power and was followed by Kailihone, a native elder. The natives seemed to
rejoice and manifested much of the spirit of God.

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Saturday May 6th 1854- This morning early we attended meeting. All felt well and
enjoyed much of the spirit. In the afternoon we met again and held a meeting for
the officers. Elder Cannon spoke on the priesthood and on the several duties of the
officers. He was followed by Elder Allred and Napela who made some interesting
remarks.
Sunday May 7th- Early this morning we attended meeting. The native elders
preached very spirited. Elder Cannon made some very appropriate remarks and
closed the meeting. There was a good flow of the spirit in the meeting and the
natives felt well. There were many tears. They dismissed the meeting and met
again at 11:00 o’clock. There was a good gathering. Elder Cannon preached a
lengthy discourse on the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. He was followed
by Elder Keeler who also made some interesting remarks on the same subject. In
the afternoon we met again and Elder Allred preached. He was followed by Elder
Cannon. The sacrament was administered. Many of the native brethren spoke well
and had much of the spirit. The meeting was dismissed with the expectation of the
elders to preach here again in one week.
[Sailing in a Native Canoe]
*The elders that are about to return home
wished to see the Great Crater or
Volcano before they go which is allowed
to be the greatest in the world and also to
preach through the different branches as
they go along. There were 6 of us
foreign elders started for the volcano.
Elder Cannon, Napela and myself
professed to go by water in a canoe to
Hilo Bay and the rest of the others
proposed to go by land, which was the distance of 30 miles, and meet us about
Hilo. Bro. Cannon and myself and Napela started Sunday night about ½ past 12
o’clock. I did not like the trip. We had a very unpleasant sail and were much
longer than we expected. I was very sick and so was Elder Cannon. There were 6
of us in the canoe which loaded her pretty deep. The sea being a little rough came
in on both sides of the canoe. We were 12 hours making our voyage. I could either
stand, sit or lie but had to rest sometimes on my knees or turn around and sit on my
heels, which was a very tiring position to be in. With the water coming in on both
sides, it took one of us to bail out the water all the time. I got very wet and
suffered considerably from cold. I would have suffered much more had I not

76
gotten a blanket from one of the natives, which I wrapped around my shoulders. It
also rained very heavy so everything in my carpet bag got sopping wet. We got to
Hilo about the middle of the day on Monday. We put up at a natives house for the
night and waited there until the other brethren came. I don’t want to take another
voyage to sea again in a canoe as long as this has been. I don’t like the
accommodations so well.

*Tuesday May the 9th 1854-This morning I felt quite unwell after my voyage at sea
and felt unfit for anything, having taken a slight cold. The greatest part of the day I
occupied in writing. About 2 o’clock the brethren came to us and were very much
fatigued, having traveled a very bad road. It rained on them a great deal of the way
which made it very laborious. It was soon noised about town that the Mormons
had come. We were notified forthwith by the Catholic priests that we were to hold
a meeting at that place, as the greatest part of that neighborhood were all Catholic.
In the evening the people commenced to crowd into the house from all directions
to see what kind of beings we were. They came notwithstanding the words so
strictly warned by the priests not to go near us as we were the most wicked and
corrupt people on the face of the earth. Yet, they were very anxious to hear us
preach. We did not open the meeting by
singing and prayer in the usual way being
forbid to hold meeting, but several of the
native elders got up and spoke. Then Elder
Cannon made a few remarks. The people
seemed quite astonished in finding the
Mormons so much different to what they
were informed. That same night there were
5 came forward and obeyed the gospel.
Others were inquiring after the truth. There was a good spirit manifested.
*Wednesday May the 10th 1854-Rather wet and showery this morning. About 7
o’clock we left Hilo accompanied by 15 natives. The forepart of the day was not
very pleasant traveling and we got sufficiently wet. The afternoon was fine and
pleasant. After we traveled some 15 miles we came to what is called the halfway
house or the last settlement to the crater. We laid up for the night and had to
provide ourselves with provisions for 2 days as this was the last chance we had, as
foreigners going to the crater. It was not without considerable expense and we had
no money, yet we were blessed and provided with everything we needed. The first
house we went into we were badly received and found not the spirit of peace.
Elder Cannon got up and said that he has been on these islands for 3 years for the
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good of the people without any remuneration and that he thought it hard to be
refused a nights lodgings, or a bite to eat. There was a neighbor man in the house
at the same time by the name of Keawehiku. He got up and said he would keep us
and we went back some 2 miles to his house where we were kindly treated. He
went to work forthwith and killed a ? and cooked it for supper. We had quite a
feast and all felt first rate. May the Lord bless him one hundred fold in this life and
in the world to come with life eternal. He also offered his service as guide to the
crater.
Thursday, May the 11th 1854. A fine morning. We again made ready for starting
and as this was the last settlement we had to prepare ourselves with food until we
returned. The natives went to work this morning and killed a pig and cooked it.
Then they ran a pole through it and carried it between them on their shoulders.
We also had sufficient poi and poikalo (the food that is generally used by the
natives).
[Grandpa Karren gives a detailed account of his visit to the Kilauea volcano
on May 11, 1854. This volcano, in 1983, was said to be 300,000 to 600,000
years old and the most active volcano in the world. It blew on May 17, 2018]
*The appearance of the country yesterday and today is pretty much level and the
roads not bad traveling. There is a gradual rise all the way till within 2 or 3 miles
of the crater when it becomes more elevated. We traveled some 18 miles upon a
bed of rocks or lava most of the way. This region of country is nothing but a mass
of volcanic rock, which was at some period of time, a lake of liquid fire, although
at the present time it is covered considerably with vegetation and great quantiles of
timber and shrubbery. It is surprising to see so much vegetation growing where the
earth is so thin.
I could not help but reflect while travelling along and beholding the different
forms and figures which the lava had formed as it cooled. I think the site must
have been terrible, yet awfully grand by the appearance of the country and what we
have seen. As we passed along we could form a little idea of the crater. Yet we
were anxious to see and behold with our own eyes the reality of these things and
which we have been contemplating since we had heard so much about it.
About 3 o’clock in the afternoon and all of a sudden we came to the brink of the
crater without anything to notify or warn us of its near approach. The first
inclination that we saw as we approached was a quantity of steam which was
making its escape out of 2 holes in rocks which were only a few yards from the
brink of the crater. Curiosity first led us to examine these holes which had a strong

78
Sulphur smell and a powerful heat that came out with a draft and would soon
suffocate anything living coming in contact with it. We then proceeded a few steps
further where our eyes, for the first time, beheld the greatest crater in the world
called Kilauea. It is said to be one of the greatest wonders of the world and when
so said it is truly said. We could not see any fires but great quantities of steam, all
around the surface of the crater, which made its escape from the various holes and
fissures in the rocks. The greatest body of steam rose out of the center of the
crater.
This crater is some 600 feet below the surface and has only one place that is
convenient to get down it. It is mostly perpendicular all around and 3 miles in
diameter. Part of our company was yet behind and had not caught up so we
proposed to wait till morning until all got together. It was also not wise to proceed
without a guide, who was also behind.
Yet we were not idle as there were many things that whetted our curiosity. We
traveled around the brink which formed a level surface. There were a great many
fissures and openings in the rocks which discharged great quantities of steam.
There was also a large mound or hill which attracted our notice as it was quite a
curiosity. This hill is called Kiona by the natives. It is composed of a series of
earth’s minerals. It is very porous and full of small chimneys which pour forth
steam in great quantities. The steam has a very Sulphur smell which is very
disagreeable when close by it. Indeed it is suffocating for anything living that
comes in contact with it. The steam forms a crust on the top of the ground which
chiefly consists of brimstone and alum. Where the greatest quantity of steam is you
will find the most minerals. We gathered some samples of the brimstone and alum
and other specimens of a glossy substance but we did not stay long because we did
not have our native guide with us and did not feel safe.
There was another remarkable curiosity and that was to find a well of pure water
on the top of this hot bed of volcanic matter. The steam was powering forth in all
directions hot enough in many places to cook a hog. We all had reason to believe it
was on the top of a body of liquid fire. Sometimes the natives bring up hogs to this
place for parties. They cook and dress the hog in holes of steam. Our guide
explained to us the mystery of the clear water. It is formed when the steam hits the
bushes and vegetation which causes a great perspiration on the foliage. He
informed us that it was not to be found there at all times, but only when the wind
was at a certain point did it produce that effect. When the wind blew from the
south there was no water to be found because the wind blew the steam another way
and prevented it from coming up on the vegetation. This is the only place there is
vegetation and that accounts for the water. I drank some of the water which was
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palatable and good. In the evening when it got dark we could see a light in a great
reflection as from a large body of fire which showed most brilliant upon the great
columns of smoke and steam as they ascended up in great clouds. It formed a very
curious presentation. While we were standing gazing through this great body of
smoke we could see a good many curious forms, some like men and others like
beads of every size. They were produced by the reflections of the fire on the
clouds of smoke which presented a very striking appearance. Some say these
figures are the spirits of the departed which they worship. The natives have many
traditions respecting this crater.
There is a great quantity of berries growing all around the crater and the natives
call them (Ohelos)
[Note: They have the same taste as cranberries. The natives say they are sacred to
Pele the Volcano goddess.]
We very busily engaged ourselves in picking and eating them as we were hungry
and our food had not yet arrived. Many of the natives are very superstitious
respecting these berries fearing it will arouse the wrath of “Madam” Pele. They
fear it will rain and they will perish from the cold. The pit is called “kaluaepoele”
(the spirit of Pele). It is believed by many
today (1854) that Pele is a real personage and
goddess, a younger sister of Papa and the wife
of Akea. She was believed to have brought
these islands.
There is a small house on the brink of the
crater unoccupied by anyone and is very convenient for visitors to this place. We
put up there for the night with the intention of making an early start in the morning
to go down into the crater. There were 21 of us lay on the floor all night in this
small house. 16 were natives and 5 foreigners. We were pretty well crowded. I
spent rather an uncomfortable night. I was troubled much with fleas and was glad
when daylight made its appearance. Morning was somewhat wet which prevented
us from getting as early start as we wanted.
Friday May the 12th-At about 6 o’clock it quit raining and cleared so we all
commenced to descend into the crater deciding to eat breakfast when we returned.
The pathway we descended down was very steep, but not very difficult as *there
were good footsteps with shrubbery growing nearly to the bottom. We all
furnished ourselves with staffin(?) which we found to be very useful before we got
through. The scene that now presented itself was most sublime and something I

80
am not competent of giving but a faint description. The bottom of the crater from
all appearance has recently been rained on by a sea of molten lava or liquid fire.
How awfully grand the site must have been to see a body of liquid fire 3 miles in
diameter rolling like the waves of the sea in all manner of gigantic forms but which
now appear like a lake that is frozen over only of a dark glassy color. Our guide
informed us that we were seeing it after a mass of liquid fire rolling, foaming and
twisting itself like the surf upon the sea shore all around the sides of the crater then
rolling upon each other and cooling.
We now commenced to travel across on the surface of this lava. Our guide took
the lead and we followed. It is unsafe and dangerous for anyone to go on this
volcano bed unless he is well acquainted with the place. The surface has a very
glassy appearance yet is porous with blisters ranging in size and thickness from ¼
to ½ inches. It is brittle under foot not much unlike crusted snow to water but of a
harder substance. This vast body of lava seemed to have been much higher when
in operation or liquid state than it is at present. It appears that it shrunk as it cooled
which would account for so many fissures or cracks. It requires great caution in
traveling over these places. Some of the cracks are all a man can do to step over
them. Some are also very deep so you cannot see the bottom. They also discharge
great quantities of steam. Some steam is hotter than others, but all have the
Sulphur smell which is suffocating.
After we had traveled over this bed of lava some 2 miles we came to a large hill
resembling that of a lime kiln which is the chimney stack of the crater. Here
seemed to be the greatest body of smoke and steam ascending. There were two
large chimneys which appeared very remarkable. I endeavored to look into them
but could not get close enough to get a fair light. I threw in a rock but could not
hear anything except a sound resembling that of a powerful furnace. The top of
these chimneys are so powerful at times as to throw out melted lava in sparks like
the size of your hand or head. These made piles all around that made a variety of
forms.
We went on a bit farther, when all of a sudden we came to a large pit that is called
the “Pit of Pele”. This surpasses anything we have yet seen for grandeur and
sublimity. This pit is in lively operation and the only place in the crater that is
visible at present. The pit is about 100 yards in diameter and from 50 to 60 feet
deep as near as we could guess by the eye. On the south west side of this pit there
were 2 arches resembling that of 2 powerful furnaces. The noise was like that of a
steamboat which threw the liquid fire out with great fury. It was truly a
magnificent sight. The surface of this matter was black with beautiful red veins
here and there. It had movement, sometimes flowing quickly other times slowly
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from the No. East to the So. West then combining to the place where it was raging
so violently. It was surprising to see with what ease this strong mass would convert
into a fluid and be thrown out sometimes with great force. Occasionally it would
roll up in other parts of this vast caldron red and fiery with a slow heavy movement
twisting and curling in all manner of fantastic shapes and then again relapsing into
its former position. Wherever it was black a stone thrown in would indent it but
not sink out of sight. It was with the greatest difficulty that we could breathe while
going from the lime kiln looking hill to the pit because of the strong Sulphur
smoke which the fumes emitted and which the wind carried in this direction.

Saturday, May the 13th 1854- Very wet and stormy today and not fit to travel so we
were compelled to remain in the house all day which we occupied our time chiefly
in

writing. The natives prepared a young pig for breakfast and we had quite a feast.
There were 21 on us set down to the breakfast table, which consisted of the floor,
and enjoyed ourselves. The natives manifested great kindness to us.
Sunday the 14th- It still continues to rain and storm. We sent one of our native
elders to the next settlement to preach. He sent back for a foreigner to come to his
assistance, stating he had baptized 9. Elder George Cannon was called upon to go
being the best at speaking the language. He was furnished with a horse and went
to assist. Elders Keeler, Allred, Snider, and myself attended meeting where we
were. Elders Allred and Keeler preached after which Napela made a few remarks.
Just as we closed the meeting Elder Cannon returned having baptized 2 and
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confirmed 11. In the afternoon we again attended meeting. Elder Allred preached
and was followed by 2 native elders. Then Elder Cannon made a few remarks.
There was good attention given and the people manifested a great desire to learn
about our doctrines.
The natives had heard strange reports about the Mormons and were warned by the
priest not to listen to us or admit us into their houses. This only made the honest in
heart more anxious to hear. The man that took us in was not the landlord but the
brother of the landlord, and we did not know it at the time but the true landlord was
an official member of the Calvinist Church. He was not home when we first came
to the house. We did not know but what all was right so we had a meeting and
preached before the landlord came home. When he came home he forbade us to
preach or to hold meetings in his house. It would put his office at stake. He did not
order us out of his house but only wished us to hold our peace. However this had
no effect on his brother and only made him more anxious to receive the truth. He
went forth and was baptized.
Monday, May the 15th-The weather is still unfavorable for traveling and appears it
will be wet all day. However we felt like traveling this morning as there were so
many of us in one place. The natives went to work and cooked a pig for us native
fashion. We had a first real breakfast. After which we made preparations for
another start for Waiakea or Hilo Bay about 15 miles distance. The road made
another bad travelling day as it was wet and disagreeable. We got to Hilo about 4
o’clock where we remained until the next morning.
Tuesday, May the 16th. It was a fine morning and very warm. After we partook of
a little fish and poi we left for Makahanaloa. As we were passing through Hilo we
had an occasion to call upon Mr. Baker , the district Attorney of Hawaii, respecting
our difficulties with the Catholic priests, who had pulled down our meeting house.
We also made inquiries respecting the immigrating of this people to foreign lands.
Mr. Baker showed us the law upon that subject which positively forbids the
immigration of any of this people too foreign lands from their islands.
We found it rather difficult to get to Makahanaloa due to the streams being so
high. The first stream we came to was Wailukea which is very dangerous to cross.
Many lives are frequently lost in this stream. It is very high this time of year and
we needed to be ferried across and we had nothing to pay with. Elder Cannon told
the ferryman that we were ministers of Jesus Christ and traveling to preach the
gospel of this kingdom without purse or script and if he would take us across this
stream or river he would be blessed. He said nothing but told us to get into his
canoe. It took 2 trips to carry us all over so we all got over safe and left our

83
blessings with the man. This passport never fails when presented with faith and in
the spirit of meekness. The next large stream we crossed was Honolii. We
presented the same passport which took us safely over. There were several other
smaller streams which the natives ferried us over on their backs to save us the
trouble of stripping. About 4 o’clock we got to Makahanaloa where the brethren
were very anxiously waiting for us. As soon as we came the natives killed a pig
and fouls and prepared for us a great supper. There was one man came forth for
baptism as soon as we arrived. After we rested a little we attended a meeting
where Elder Cannon preached and was followed by Elder Keeler. We had a great
flow of the spirit. The natives manifested great joy and felt well. Shortly after
meeting we sat down and partook of a most excellent supper, prepared for us in
native style by cooking it in the ground.
Wednesday, May the 17th 1854-The first thing this morning we attended meeting.
Kailehune, one of our native Elders preached quite a lengthy discourse. The people
all seem to manifest a good spirit and rejoice much. After meeting there were
candidates came forward for baptism. At 10:00 o’clock we met again in the
capacity of a conference meeting to lay before the natives the necessity of
establishing a printing press to get the Book of Mormon printed in their own
language. We also appointed native Elders to their different fields of labor. Elder
Cannon preached a lengthy discourse on the subject of the Book of Mormon and
the printing press. In the afternoon we attended meeting and had a good time.
Elder Cannon preached a lengthy discourse and had must of the spirit. Many of
the natives were in tears.
[Sadly we are missing 24 pages between May 17th and June 10th, 1854 during
which some very important things happened in Elder Karren life and significant for
his mission. The following pages from the official LDS Hawaiian Mission Diary
establish that a chapel was built in Pololu, a branch was created by Elder George
Q. Cannon and Thomas Karren was set apart as President of the Branch.]

84
85
86
87
88
[I wondered why Elder Cannon asked Thomas Karen to be the one to voice his
blessing, until I discovered that in addition to sharing British accents, but George
Q. Cannon was born 1827 in Liverpool where Thomas and Anne Karren lived and
ran a bakery from 1830 to 1844 when they sailed to American. Cannon was
baptized in 1836, and sailed for America in the Spring of 1843.The blessing Elder
Karren gave to Elder Cannon on July 27, 1854 was inspired and truly prophetic
including “a very numerous posterity,” “a great name,” “strong intellect,” “voice
heard as a trump,” and he “should go forth among other nations.” Here’s how it
was fulfilled:
George Q. Cannon was single and 27 years old when Grandpa Karren gave him
this blessing. He was ordained an Apostle six years later at the age of 33. He
served as an Apostle for 44 years, and was First Counselorto Brigham Young, John
Taylor, Wilford Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow.
He was the church's chief political strategist, and was dubbed "the Mormon
premier" and "the Mormon Richelieu" by the press. He was also a five- time
Territorial Delegate to the US Congress.
He had 32 children.

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His strong intellect is evident in his writings. Cannon’s extensive 50-volume
journal is described by the Church History Department as “one of the most
insightful and detailed records in Mormon history. The journal will also be of great
interest to scholars of American political and religious history as well as the history
of the U.S. West.” The total journal contains roughly 2.5 million words! See also
the two-volume set of “Gospel Truth, Discourses and Writings of President George
Q. Cannon.]
Saturday, June the 10th 1854- Early this morning Elders Cannon and Allred left for
Maui in a canoe, which is the distance of some 30-35 miles across the channel
from one island to the other. There were a great number of natives on the beach
who came to see the Brethren off. There was much weeping among the natives at
the departure of the Elders and loath to see them go. I was very unwell all the
forenoon so I occupied myself in writing.
Sunday June 11th-I remained at Upolu all day and attended meeting 3 times. Elders
Keeler and Linn preached and others of the native Elders spoke. The sacrament
was also attended to in the afternoon and a good spirit was present in the meeting.
Just as meeting was out we were sent for to come and administer to a woman who
had broken her arm. She had fallen from her horse as she was coming to meeting.
When we got to her house we found her in a bad condition. Her arm was broken a
little below the elbow. We anointed her with oil and administered to her then
bound her arm. Today she was at meting and was administered to again. Her arm
is doing well and she will soon be able to use it.
Monday the 12th- This morning as soon as I got breakfast I left Upolu accompanied
by Elder Snider. We got to Kapaleuka about noon where we got dinner which
consisted of a little poi and salt. After we rested a little we then started and
traveled some 8 or 9 miles further. We put up at Mr. Lincons for the night. He is a
foreigner and friendly to us. He takes great delight in conversing with us on the
principles of our religion and wants to read our books. He has treated us with
much kindness. May the Lord bless him and open his eyes of his understanding to
see the truth.
Tuesday June the 13th 1854-After we had taken breakfast this morning with Mr.
Lincon and had some chat we left for Waimea, a the distance of some 9 miles. We
got to Mr. Yeas about 2 o’clock. He is also a foreigner and opposed to all kinds of
religion. He invited us into dinner and treated us well. After we had rested we
went on a little further and put up with Mr. Beadle for the night.

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Wednesday the 14th-We remained at Mr. Beadles all day as it was wet and stormy
and not fit for travel. I gave myself to writing all day.
Thursday the 15th- The first thing after breakfast this morning myself and Elder
Snider left Waimea for Waipio. It was fine and pleasant travelling.
We called on Mr. Wood, an old Englishman and took dinner with him. We had
considerable talk with the old gentleman. I think there is no prospect of ever any
change with him, although he is very friendly. We got to Waipio about dusk and
were met with a warm reception.
Friday the 16th, 1854-A wet and stormy day which I occupied wholly in writing.
Saturday the 17th-The greater part of the day I spent in writing a letter to Jonathan
Pugmire. In the latter part of the day I had a most beautiful bath in the sea
accompanied by Elders Keeler and Snider.
Sunday the 18th- I attended meetings 3 times today. Elder Keeler preached twice.
There was a poor turn out and appeared to be a deadness and little of the spirit
manifested in the meetings. Elder Keeler said it was a like speaking to the stones
in the well. It is hard to preach to people when the spirit is not there.
Monday, June 19, 1854-I attended early meeting this morning. Elder Keeler spoke
a short time. There were but very few came to hear. After breakfast Elders Keeler
and Snider left for Hamakua and Hilo. I shall stop here for some 3 weeks. Today I
spent the greatest part in writing.
Tuesday the 20th, Wednesday the 21st, Thursday the 22nd- I wholly devoted myself
to writing. I wrote one letter to Sister Mary Shimmin, in England, one to my wife
in Utah Territory and a letter to Bro. Johnson, Honolulu Island.
Friday the 23rd- I spent the day wholly in studying the native rammer and reading.
Saturday the 24th 1854-The fore part of the day I did up a little journal writing and
the remainder I spent in reading and studying the native language.
Sunday the 25th-Attended meetings twice today in Waipio. There was a poor turn
out and not much of the spirit manifested.
Monday the 26th-I gave myself to reading and study.
Tuesday the 27th and Wednesday the 28th- I wholly gave myself to reading and
study.

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Thursday the 29th 1854- A part of the day I occupied in writing to
Bishop Evans, Utah Valley. The balance of the day in reading and studying the
native language.
Friday the 39th- I spent the day reading and studying.
Saturday, July the 1st- The greater part of the day I spent in studying this native
language. In the afternoon I took a bath in the sea accompanied by Elders Keeler
and Snider
.Sunday, July 2nd, 1854-I attended early meeting this morning. Elder Keeler
addressed the congregation and was followed by Hoopiiaina one of the native
elders. We met again at 10 o’clock when Elder Keeler and Hoopiiaina preached to
the people again. At the close of the meeting the officers were requested to stay as
there was some little items which we wanted to lay before them. They were asked
to assist us with a little means to bear our expenses to conference. The brethren
manifested a most excellent spirit of liberality and willingness to do all they can to
assist us. May God bless them an hundred fold with the good things of this world
and with eternal life hear after. Notwithstanding their extreme poverty they are
willing to assist the elders the best they know how. In the afternoon we met again
when the sacrament was administered. May of the native brethren spoke and
manifested great joy and seemed to be filled with the Spirit.
*Monday, July the 3rd-Most of the day I occupied in reading and studying the
native language. In the afternoon Elder Snider and myself were called upon to go
and administer to a man that was sick. We found him in a very bad condition. He
seemed to suffer much from colic and cramping in his bowels causing him much
distress. We anointed him with oil in the name of the Lord and then laid our hands
on him and rebuked the disease after which he seemed to be somewhat better.
After we administered to him his wife came forward for baptism which seemed to
excite the old man very much with joy. We then attended to the ordinance of
baptism. The old man being anxious to see his wife baptized got up and came out
after us. When coming to the water’s edge he fell down being seized with some
kind of fit or evil spirit. His face was twisted in all kinds of forms, his body
seemed much afflicted and in great agony but he was speechless. He was taken up
and carried into the house. They laid him down on the mats and covered him with
blankets. After we baptized his wife we went into the house. He appeared in the
same condition without any apparent change. We again laid hands upon him and
Elder Snider, myself and two native elders using all the faith we could muster, by
the authority of the Holy Priesthood commanded the evil spirit to come out of him
and we rebuked the disease. After we had taken our hands off of him it did appear

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as if he was dying and breathing his last, but he turned over on his back,
straightened out and appeared lifeless for a short time. The first apparent
movement was his lips if talking to himself. He then commenced talking in a
whispering tone and we perceived he was praying. He then turned upon his face
and he began to raise. He then got up on his knees and I think I have never heard a
man pray with such fervency of spirit although I could not understand part of what
he said. I could hear him repeatedly make use of the word ‘aloha nui” which is
great love to his Savior. “Brethern”, says he, “I am almost well except for a little
pain in my bowels. I want you to administer tome again and then I will be well.”
We laid our hands on him again after which he declared to be every whit whole.
He got up and went home with his wife praising God for his great goodness to
him.
Tuesday, July 4th 1854- The fore part of the day I occupied in writing. The after
part in reading and studying the native language.
Wednesday the 5th-The fore part of the day I went visiting the brethren in the upper
end of the valley of Waipio accompanied by Elder Snider. The afternoon I spent in
reading.
Wednesday the 6th-This morning myself and Bro. Snider left Waipio to go to
Honolulu to attend conference. The day was fine and very warm. We got to
Waimea about noon and called on Mr. Fea who treated us very kindly and served
us a most excellent dinner. He manifested a good spirit toward us although he is a
man that cares nothing about any religion. Whatever in as much as he has lodged
us under his roof and gave us to eat and drink I feel to say the Lord bless him.
After we had got refreshed and rested awhile we left Mr. Feas about 3 o’clock and
got to Kawaihae about sundown. I was much fatigued and foot sore and my face
got badly burned from the sun which caused me a great deal of uneasiness through
the night. From here we engaged our passage for Honolulu. Br. August Lide paid
4 dollars for the passage of Elder Snider and myself. He also gave us a bunch of
Beff (220 which is worth about 15 dollars) for the use of the Elders during
conference. As the schooner was not to set sail until the next afternoon we thought
it best to sleep on shore that night. The people were all notified by the Reverend
Mr. Lions, a Calvin missionary, not to admit a Mormon into their houses. There
was a pile of lumber on the beach to shade us and keep the sun off. Myself, Bros.
Snider and Lide slept all night. I should have said laid all night for sleep I did not.
Friday, July 7th, 1854-the fore part of the day we spent on Kawaihae Beach waiting
for the vessel to sail. The sun was extremely warm without a breath of air which
made it very unpleasant indeed. Having made a long day’s travel yesterday and

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then lying on a bed of boards all night I feel considerably the effects of it today.
We went on board the schooner and set sail a little before sundown. He had a fine
night and a fair wind. The sea was a little rough which made the vessel pitch
considerably. I spent a very disagreeable night not having a place to lie down. I
suffered much from sea sickness.
Saturday the 8th- This morning we got to Lahaina Island of Maui. The captain told
us that he should wait till 2 o’clock and gave us the privilege to go ashore. We
were very glad of the chance and quickly took the opportunity. We went to Bro.
Hammonds and found him and his family well and in good spirits. We also met
Elder Green on his way to conference. He was also well and in good spirits. It’s a
privilege that I highly appreciate to meet with my brethren and sisters especially
after an absence of 8 or 9 months. Sister Hammond went to work and got dinner
ready for us. She had some nice chicken soup which was a blessing for me after
my sea sickness. At 2 o’clock we went back on board. Bro. Lide offered to pay
Elder Green’s passage if he would come with us. Elder Green accepted the offer
and came along with us to Honolulu. We had a fine night and a quick passage but
very uncomfortable owing to being crowded so much.
Sunday, July 9th, 1854-Early this morning we got to Honolulu. As soon as we
landed we went directly to President Lewis’s house where we found Elders
Johnson and Bigler all well and in good spirits with the exception of Sister Lewis
who has been very sick for some time. We all felt to rejoice in beholding each
other’s faces under such favorable circumstances. We spent the day very agreeable
together and had a great deal to tell each other respecting our proceedings for the
last 8 months. I felt very unwell myself and wanted to rest and sleep as we had
none for the last 3 nights.
Monday the 10th- I devoted myself wholly to reading but did not enjoy myself
owing to bad health.
Tuesday the 11th-This day I also spent reading, a privilege that I have seldom had
for some time back. I enjoyed to learn much of the news of the day we lament
much to hear of the death of our beloved President Richards.
Wednesday the 12th-The forepart of the day I spent in reading. In the afternoon I
attended meeting with Elders Cannon and Bigler. There was not a large
congregation but manifested a good spirit. We were treated to all the fruit we
could make use of. On the way back we had a bath in the King’s Falls which was
very pleasant and refreshing.

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Thursday the 13th, Friday the 14th, Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th- Most of
the time I devoted to reading and writing.
Monday, July 17th 1854- The most part of the day I spent in writing. In the
afternoon Elders Johnson and Lawson and myself went up to Kings Falls to take a
bath.
Tuesday the 18th- Early this morning we were saluted with the arrival of the Elders
from Maui, Bro. Hammond and wife and the Bros. Allred and Woodbury. They
are all feeling well and in good spirits. I am happy to meet with my brethren on all
occasions. There is nothing that gives me greater pleasure. We spent the day very
agreeable together.
Yesterday afternoon there were 7 ships of war- 4 French and 3 British. It made
quite a stir in this place, particularly among the merchants. These are in search of
the Russians.
Wednesday the 19 and Thursday the 20th- I chiefly spent in reading the papers
which contain much news of signs of the times which speaks loudly that the day of
the Lord is nigh in the land.
Friday the 21st-This morning there was a Polynesian steamer from the coast which
brought us a number of papers from Salt Lake, but no letters. I felt a little
disappointed as I have been looking for some time for letters by the first mail. A
portion of the day I spent perusing the Deseret News and felt to rejoice that peace
was again restored to the Brethren in the mountains and that the Indians were well
disposed toward the people. We felt to mourn the death of our much beloved father
and Patriarch John Smith. We also were made to rejoice with the arrival of some
of the Elders from the Island of Kauai, Elders Burnham and Rice. They all felt in
good spirits but were much fatigued after a tedious passage.
Saturday the 22nd- Today I was made to rejoice with the arrival of another mail
packet. It brought us a number of letters and papers which contain many interesting
matters. I received a letter from my wife and family informing me that all is well
and that they enjoy the blessings of heaven. This is comforting for which I feel
thankful. I also received a letter from Bro. William Vandyke which brought me
various items of news interesting to me. The greatest part of the day we spent
perusing the pages of the Desert News. We all felt to rejoice and praise God for
the glorious news of the prosperity of Zion. While reading the 11th general epistle
of the twelve the spirit of God rested down upon the Elders and every heart
responded Amen! In the afternoon I went to the Kings Falls to take a bath
accompanied by 6 Elders. We all felt to enjoy ourselves first rate and had a good

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time. This last week has been very warm which I feel affects my health
considerably.
Sunday the 23rd- According to last evenings appointment by President Lewis we,
the elders of the Sandwich Islands Mission, met together early this morning in the
capacity of a council meeting to talk over things and matters preparatory to our
meeting in conference. We had a good time. A number of the Brethren spoke and
all felt well. The spirit of God was in our midst. There was peace and union
which seemed to pervade every bosom. The meeting was dismissed by prayer at 10
o’clock and the Elders attended the native meetings. Feeling very unwell myself I
did not go but remained in my room and did some writing. In the afternoon at 3
o’clock we again met in council where different items of the conference were taken
up and presented before the meeting. All were united and a good spirit prevailed.
In the evening, at early candle light, we met again. The meeting opened by singing
and prayer. Elder Cannon preached after which a number of the brethren spoke
and bore testimony to the truth.
Monday July the 24th 1854 – As this day was appointed for Elders of the
Sandwich Islands Mission and agreeable to previous arrangements to meet in
conference we met together and sang. Pres. Lewis called upon me to open the
meeting with prayer. The conference was organized but did not proceed to
business as there were some of the Elders who had not yet arrived. Pres. Lewis
made a few remarks and then took a vote to wait until tomorrow before the
business of the conference was entered into. There was some business to attend to
which was necessary to lay before the meeting. A portion of the day I devoted to
reading. I did not feel well, my body being much out of health. M?oalea, one of
the high chiefs called into see us this evening respecting the Island of Laeai. He
offered, to the committee, his land on that island for the term of 4 years without
paying any rent. He feels well disposed toward us and manifested a very good
spirit.
Tuesday the 25th-Persuent to our previous appointment, conference again convened
at 9:30 o’clock. The meeting was called to order. We sang and Elder Allred
opened with prayer. We than sang “Let us anew our journey pursue”, then
proceeded to business. Elder T.B. Lewis was sustained as President of the
Sandwich Island Mission and Elder B.Y. Johnson was nominated to be a counselor
in the stead of Elder Tanner who has gone to the Coast of California. Pres. Lewis
then made a motion to sustain the authorities of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints. The voting was unanimous. The different Islands
were then reported which altogether numbered 4031baptized since the last

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conference which numbered 1399. Pres. Lewis dismissed the meeting by prayer
and we were adjourned until 2:00 o’clock.
In the afternoon we again met according to appointment. Pres. Lewis called the
meeting to order. We sang “Redeemer of Israel” and Elder Hammond prayed. The
first motion before the conference was the honorable release of the first 5 Elders to
serve. They were now at liberty to return home as quick as circumstances would
permit. The next subject was the printing press which was laid before the
congregation for their consideration. After a few problems were assessed the
committee of said press were sustained to continue to press forward and procure
funds for the press where ever wisdom may dictate. The next was a report of the
lands committee where Bro. Hammond got up and made a very flattering report
respecting a place for the gathering of this people on the Island of Lanai. Meeting
was then adjourned until 9:30 tomorrow morning. Elder Cannon dismissed us by
prayer.
Wednesday July 26th 1854-Persuent to previous appointment conference again met
this morning at 9:30. Meeting opened as ordered by singing and prayer. The
subject of Lanai as being the place of gathering was again taken up. After which a
great many remarks were made. The report was accepted and the committee was
liberated from their former appointments. Elder Lewis dismissed by prayer.
Intermission for 2 hours and during that time the Elders met together according to
orders to pray for the restoration of Sister Lewis’s health. Conference met again at
2 o’clock when Elders Hammond, Farrer and Woodbury made a report in regard to
the duties assigned to them translating part of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants
and compiling a synopsis. They were also asked to collect a Book of Hymns
suitable for our worship. It was motioned that Elders Cannon and Ferrer take the
manuscript of the synopsis and complete it at the earliest convenience and for
Elder Cannon to bring it back with him when he returned. The Elders were then
distributed as follows: Elder Woodbury to Oahu, Elder Johnson over the white
branch in Honolulu. We divided Hawaii into conference Hilo and Kahala. The
boundaries Taupehoeloe Gulch and the boundary lines between Kona and Kohala.
The conference of Hilo to include the district of Hilopunas, and Kau and Kona.
The conference of Kohala to include Kohala and Hamakua. I was appointed to
take charge of the Hilo Conference and Bro. Allred to Kahola. Elder Snider in my
field and Elder Lyman under Allred. Elder Hammond to preside over the Maui
conference. Elders Lawson over Molakai. It was motioned that Elder Green would
labor in Lanai in the Maui Conference. We adjourned until 7 o’clock and then met
according to adjustments. After conference was opened as usual, the subject of
gathering and having someone take charge of it was discussed at some length and
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much light ? . I felt edified. It was motioned that Elder Green labor in Lanai in
conjunction with Elder Hammond in preparing a gathering place for the saints and
the forming operation under the presidency of the Islands. Bro. Van Houten and
Lide made liberal offers in assisting in this matter. Bro. Van Houten offered to
plough. Chains and yokes were also offered in the event of a bargain, which is now
pending, falling through and he could get help with some teams. Bro. Lide offered
his services for one year at least, either his own labor or the produce of it as should
be thought wisdom. We accepted his offer gladly feeling that there was
providence in it as their service was very much needed.
Bro. Baker was on motion, chosen as an Elder and appointed to labor on Maui
under the direction of Bro. Hammond. Bro. Napela was appointed to labor on the
same island under the same president. Bro Kausuahi was appointed to labor on the
Island of Kauai under the direction of Bro. Allred. It was motioned that tomorrow
be a day of fasting and prayer and after the business of the conference is transacted
that we have a blessing meeting. We adjourned until 9 o’clock on the morrow.
*Thursday, July 27th 1854- Conference met according to adjustment. We sang a
hymn and Elder Green opened the meeting with prayer. The first business of the
conference was Elder Rice’s report. After a few remarks, Elder Rice was liberated
from the conference according as he wishes to return to the states. Motioned and
carried that Elders Burnham and Winchester be honorably released to gather home
to the Saints in Zion as soon as practical. Elder Allred motioned that this
conference adjourn until next April 6th 1855. We sang a hymn (When shall we all
meet again) and meeting was dismissed by prayer. Intermission for ½ hour when
we met again at 1 o’clock and had a fellowship. After which the brethren that are
returning home gave statements of their feelings. It was a time long to be
remembered. The brethren enjoyed much of the spirit of God. Bro. Woodbury
spoke in tongues and was interpreted by Elder Hammond relative to the operation
and work of God on the Islands. Bro. Johnson got up and spoke in tongues also,
being filled with the spirit to overflowing. There were others filled with the spirit
of prophesy and predicted great blessings on the elders. We then adjourned till
early candle light when we again met to bless each other. Before we parted much
of the spirit of God rested on the Elders. They were filled with the blessing and
prophecy.
We were all blessed with the spirit of blessing to a very powerful extent and I had
the spirit of prophesy rest upon me mightily. I was mouth several times and
afterwards by the request of Bro. Lewis, I blessed him and also Bro. Johnson.

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 After the conference preparations were made for the departure of the Elders who
had been released to return home; their passages were secured on the 28th as
second class passenger at $50.00 each.”
Friday, July 28th 1854-This forenoon I occupied myself in journal writing. In the
afternoon I wrote letters to Bro. Tanner in California. Some of the brethren were
going to sail tomorrow for the coast of California, bound for the land of Zion, so
we were all busily engaged writing letters to send with them.
Saturday the 29th- The fore part of the day I spent in writing to my wife and family.
The brethren were all busily packing up as the steamer was going to sail at 1
o’clock. There was no time to delay. At 1o’clock we all went down to the Warf to
see the brethren off. The Warf was crowded with people, the greatest part of them
the natives belonging to the Church. They manifested a good warmth of feeling,
but some sadness in mostly every countenance. So great was the shaking of hands
that it made it difficult to get to them. It caused forth great notice and surprise.
It seemed to excite greater notice to see the Mormons than the steam boat. There
was a great feeling toward the returning Elders. About 2:30 o’clock the steamer
left the Warf among parting hands to our brethren, commending them to the
protection of our Father in Heaven.
Sunday the 30th of July- This morning at 10 o’clock a.m. I attended native meeting.
Elder Allred preached to the people and was followed by Napila and Woodbury.
There was a good spirit in the meeting and all seemed to feel well. In the evening
at early candlelight we held a foreigner meeting and preached in English among
ourselves for our own edification. We had a good time. A number of Elders spoke
on different principles which were very interesting and edifying to us all. There
were some brethren that had not been in the Church long and seemed to rejoice
much in the truth they have just received.
Monday the 31st 1854-Early morning, just as the day was beginning to break we
were saluted by the sound of heavy artillery from Punch Bowl Hill. This hill is on
the east side of Honolulu. The height of its elevation, I don’t know, but it stands
very high above the town. This hill is called Punch Bowl Hill on account of the
large basin it forms on the top. It is about 1 ½ miles in diameter and has a most
beautiful appearance on the south west side of the basin. There are a number of
heavy cannons making it is a great fortification and would be a powerful battery if
managed by skillful hands. The bay and the town beneath the foot of the hill
present a most extended view from its summit. This hill is an old crater and was at
one time a volcano or burning mountain but has been dead for some ages past to all

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appearance. This day is held by the Hawaiians as the anniversary of their
Independence from the British and delivered up the Hawaiian flag. The town was
in an uproar all day. The streets were crowded from morning till night with
prancing horses and the police dragging unruly men to prison. In the evening
Punch Bowl Hill was lit up with fireworks. I could see the huge rockets flying in
the air while lying on my bed. It was a most beautiful appearance. I spent the day
in writing. I wrote to Sister Woodard, Utah Valley.
Tuesday, August 1st 1854-This day I spent in reading and studying. In the
afternoon I went up to the Kings Falls and had a fresh water bath. I was
accompanied by several of the Elders.
Wednesday 2nd –This morning Elder Keeler arrived after a passage of some eight
or nine days, which was very traditional. Bro. Keeler was rather disappointed
finding that the Brethren had left for the coast, as it was his intention to have gone
with them. The day I spent chiefly in the house and gave myself mostly to reading.
Thursday 3rd- This being a general fast day we kept it as such and attended meeting
with the natives. There was a good turn out and a good spirit among the people.
The work has been lagging here for some time but is again beginning to revive.
Friday 4th and Saturday 5th- I chiefly stayed in the house and gave myself to
reading. Most of the time not enjoying myself as well as I would like. * My system
being much debilitated. The Brethren are still all here anxiously waiting for the
arrival of the elders from the Valley. They wish to see them before they go to their
field of labor on the different islands.
Sunday 6th- The first tings this morning we were informed of the arrival of two
ships. We felt sure that the Elders were on hand, but we were soon disappointed
and received no intelligence what so ever. At 10 o’clock a.m. I attended native
meeting. A native preached a lengthy discourse and was followed by Elders
Keeler and Hammond. There was a good collection of people. The house was
crowded and full and the spirit of God was enjoyed in our midst. Intermission for
a half hour.
Met again in the afternoon where confirmation was attended to. Some good
instruction was given by the Elders. The sacrament was administered to a crowded
house full of native saints where was manifested a good degree of the spirit. After
the native meeting was through we held a meeting among ourselves at four o’clock
and partook of the sacrament. We confirmed those that were baptized last evening
and some few that had not been too long in the church. Several of the Elders spoke

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on different principles of the gospel showing the new members their duty and
privilege. We all felt blessed and edified.
Monday, August 7, 1854-I remained in the house all day as my health was not good
I had no spirit to sit down and give myself to study of any kind. I assisted some
little in cooking for the Elders as we have to do our own cooking while all
together.
Tuesday, August 8, 1854. This morning before breakfast I was called upon to
administer to the sick in company with Elders Keeler and Green. The wind was
high today with some little rain. The remainder part of the day I chiefly occupied
in reading.
Wednesday 9th- I remained in the house all day and devoted my time chiefly to
reading and study.
Thursday 10th and Friday 11th- the greatest part of the time I gave myself to reading
and study.
Saturday 12th- The first ting this morning we were informed of the arrival of two
vessels from the coast. We expected to have some Brethren along but in that we
were disappointed. One of the vessels, the ship Washington Allston, was from
Boston and brought us the books which was sent by way of England. For some
time we had expected mail by which we expected a great deal of news, but in that
we were disappointed also. No news from home. We received a letter from Bro.
Young informing us of his expectations of having a vessel underway for the
Sandwich Islands sometime in September. We hope and pray that will be the case.
Sunday, August 13, 1854. I attended meeting this morning at 10 o’clock. Two
native Elders preached, who seemed to have a good flow of the spirit. The
congregation was not very large but manifested a good spirit. Attended meeting
again in the afternoon after which myself and Elder Snider were called to go and
administer to the sick.
Monday, August 14, 1854- Assisted Bros. Lewis and Johnson a little in the tin
shop and attended to some small matters of business relative to getting the books
discharged.
Tuesday 15th-The remainder of the week I assisted Bro. Lewis and Johnson in
business matters.
Sunday 20th-At two o’clock I attended meeting. Elder Johnson peached to a small
congregation on forgiveness and the preexistence of man. After, I spoke for a

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short time exhorting the Brethren to be faithful in attending to their duties and
callings that they might enjoy more of the spirit of God. Seeing that they were
somewhat cold and indifferent Elder Johnson got up after and bore testimony of
the truth of what I said and exhorting them to give heed to the things which was
taught unto them.
Monday, August 21 1854. The greatest part of this time I spent in the house
making preparation to leave here on the morrow for Lahaina and tending to small
business matters.
Tuesday 22nd- This afternoon I left Honolulu for Lahaina and the island of Lanai
accompanied by Elder Johnson on board the schooner Kialton. We set sail about
two o’clock p.m. We had a good wind and fair. The afternoon was pleasant and
we made good head way. We were a little sick. In the night we had a calm and
some very hardy rain and made but little progress.
Wednesday 23rd. We had little wind all day and did not make but poor speed. The
sea was very smooth, but the sun was uncomfortable warm. We were just sick
enough so as to have no appetite to eat. This night also was fine and we had a good
night’s sleep.
Thursday24th-The morning was fine and pleasant and as soon as it was light we
put into a small bay at Molokai where we had to land for six hours, then again set
sail for Lahaina. Had a good wind all the way and landed about four o’clock p.m.
We went direct to Bro. Hammonds and found him in good spirits. We spent a very
agreeable afternoon.
Friday 25th-We remained at Bro. Hammonds all day a portion of which time I
occupied in writing. I wrote a letter to John L. Eldridge to Sidney, Australia. I did
not feel well all day and hardly able to hold up the fore part of the night. I suffered
much with the bilious collect. I had to awaken the Brethren to my assistance.
They got up and administered to me after which I found immediate relief and
afterward went to sleep.
Saturday 26th- I felt tolerable well this morning only a little weak. After breakfast
Elder Johnson, Green and myself went and had a bath in the sea which was very
pleasant and refreshing indeed. Afterward we treated ourselves to cacao nut milk
and grapes. We returned to Bro. Hammonds and spent the afternoon in writing and
reading.
Sunday, August 27th, 1854- I attended meeting this morning and evening. Elder
Hammond preached to the natives and had a good flow of the spirit. In the

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afternoon we attended an appointment in the hospital. Elder Johnson preached to a
small congregation of foreigners, on the gathering of Israel, after which *I made a
few remarks on the necessity of new revelation. There was a good attention given
and seemed to manifest a good spirit.
Monday 28th. Early this morning Elders Johnson, Hammond, Green and myself left
Laheina for Lanai. We had very good passage across the channel. Elder Johnson
and myself were a little sick. We got to Lanai about one o’clock p.m. 6 We spent
the afternoon looking around the shore. We had a most delicious bath in the sea
and then returned to the house of one of our native brethren that lived on the beach.
We put up for the night. He told us he had nothing for us to eat, but would go and
try to catch some fish. He started and was not long before he came back with three
fine fish which he prepared and cooked for our supper with some sweet potatoes.
We enjoyed ourselves with a good dinner. After closing the day with prayer we
lay down on the mats and went to rest for the night.
Tuesday, August 29th 1854; As soon as we got up this morning and prayed calling
for His aid, assistance and spirit to direct us through the day we left. We
commenced to ascend the hill which was 3000 feet above the sea and the distance
of about two miles before we got to the valley. After we got to the top we went
and took breakfast with a native
brother that lives on the rim of the
basin. Our host had cooked for a pig
for us native fashion in the ground.
After we had eaten breakfast we then
went down into the valley where we
spent the afternoon in examining
Halaleas land, finding out its
boundaries. The natives were very
kind to us and provided the best they
knew how. They cooked chicken for
us wherever we went.
Wednesday, August 30th- The first thing this morning as soon as we got breakfast,
we directed our course westward and traveled the distance of some eight miles. It
went right through the center of the valley and onward until we came to the sea
shore. This valley is beautifully situated and the soil that of the richest kind. It is
covered with a heavy growth of vegetation. The side of the valley cannot be
exceeded for its fertility on any of the islands that I have been on. The principle

6
Appendix A – Lanai map and picture

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produce that they cultivate is sweet potatoes and watermelon which are superior in
quality to any that I have seen on any other island.
* After we got to the shore we then went into the sea and had a bath. We than
went into a secret place and clothed ourselves according to the order of the
priesthood. We lifted up our hearts and voices on high to that God that has
promised to hear and answer the prayers of His servants when they ask him. We
felt our weaknesses and the necessity of being inspired from on high, to dictate that
all our movements may be wisely conducted in so important an undertaking. While
calling upon the Lord we felt blessed and that we were led according to His spirit.
We then went back to our stopping place where we ascended to the summit of the
hill .We went into a native’s house where he had prepared a chicken for our supper
He felt highly honored that we would condescend to eat with them, and manifested
every feeling of affection and kindness to us. Our hearts were full and we left a
blessing and our peace with them. We left and soon got to our stopping place.
Supper was again prepared for us although we did not need it. Feeling somewhat
weary we soon went to rest and had a good night’s sleep.
Thursday, August 31, 1854-Attended early meeting this morning. Elder Hammond
preached to a small congregation of natives who received his word with kindness.
Elder Hammond had much of the spirit and preached with power. The native
Brethren felt greatly to rejoice. I could not help prophesying on their heads. Elder
Johnson was filled with the spirit of prophesying also and predicted great blessings
on this people.
After meeting breakfast was prepared for us and there was set *before us a dish of
grasshoppers nicely cooked. This is the first time in my life for me to sit down and
eat grasshoppers. We all ate considerable of them. I did not relish them very well
myself they were oily eating, however we made out a good breakfast. * We then
went out to take a walk to view a certain piece of land. We all knelt down and
Elder Johnson offered up a dedication prayer and consecrated that piece of ground
to build a city, which we called the city of Joseph and the Valley of Ephraim. Bro.
Johnson was filled with the spirit of the Lord and prophesized that salvation shall
go from this place to this people. We were all filled with the same spirit and felt to
prophesy good concerning Israel. We then returned back and started forth for
Lahaina. After we got to the top of the ridge we again called on our native
brethren who went to work and quickly roasted a chicken for our dinner.
After we had eaten we then left and commenced to descend the hill which was
about two miles to the sea. We then got into our boat and set sail for Lahaina. Not

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having much wind we had to take to the oars and row the boat most of the way,
which was very laborious. The sea was a little rough which made Elder Johnson
very sick. I was a little sick but not as bad as him. About nine o’clock in the
evening we got to Lahaina and put up at Elder Hammond for the night.
Friday, September 1, 1854. We remained at Br. Hammonds all day as there was no
vessel going to Honolulu. In the forenoon I wrote a letter to Elder Lawson on the
Island of Molokai. In the afternoon I went and took a bath in the sea accompanied
by Elder Johnson.
Saturday 2nd; the greatest part of the day I spent in writing then in the afternoon we
made preparations for Honolulu as there was a chance to go. About seven o’clock
we went aboard the schooner, Kaluna. Anchor was weighed and sails hoisted and
we were soon under way. The night was fine and pleasant. Not having but little
wind we made little progress.
Sunday 3rd Mostly stayed calm all day. The heat was uncomfortable and a heavy
lag of a sea made it very unpleasant. The night was fine with a little wind.
Monday 4th. The first thing this morning we got to Honolulu and was glad when
we got our feet ashore because we felt much under the weather. We had talked
kindly on board the vessel and when we came to settle with the captain he would
not charge anything, while the other passengers paid five dollars each. *In as much
as he showed us kindness for every dollar may he receive one hundred. We retired
straight to Bro. Lewis and finding that the mail had arrived with letters and papers
from the Valley we spent the remainder part of the day chiefly in reading.
Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th and Friday 8th. Most of this time
was spent reading and writing and attending to books that had just arrived from
England. Most of the week my health has been poor and it is hard to get along at
times.
Saturday Sept 9th, 1854. The forepart of this day I spent in writing to Bro.
Hammond and in packing books and seeing them forwarded to him. In the
afternoon I spent in reading the letters after which I went up to the King’s Falls,
accompanied by Elders Lewis and Johnson and had a most delicious bath.
Sunday 10th- I attended native meeting twice. Elder Augustus Tide spoke to the
people after which two native Elders preached. The spirit of emigrating ran high
with the natives and are much excited with the idea of going to Lanai. One man
came forth and was baptized. In the afternoon I attended meeting with a small
branch of foreigners. I preached on the order of the priesthood and the necessity of

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honoring that priesthood. The number was few and not very encouraging to preach
to.
Monday 11th and Tuesday 12 and Wednesday the 13th. Most of the time I spent
writing letters to the Elders on the different Islands.
Thursday 14th-This day I spent hard at work as we had to leave this house and
move into another. We shifted into Bro. Brownhand’s and were all piled in a heap
as Brownhand could not leave until Monday. The day was very warm, too much
so to be comfortable.
Friday 15th-This day I also spent hard at work using a job of carpentering for Bro.
Lewis is putting up a shed. *There was not a breath of air and it was so powerful
that it did seem that I would melt before it. I could scarcely move without the
perspiration dripping to the ground.
Saturday, Sept. 16, 1854-This day I spent as the day previous working at the shed
and found it very laborious to labor in the sun which is too much for my
constitution to bear.
Sunday 17th-I remained in the house all day and gave myself a portion of the time
to reading. Indeed it was so warm, more than I had yet felt. I did not fast as I was
able to go out in the afternoon. We had considerable chat with the Brethren,
particularly with Bro. Van Houtin, who manifested a spirit not characteristic of a
saint. He showed no respect for the priesthood. He was kindly reproached but did
not leave with a good spirit and manifested a very stubborn disposition.
Monday, Sept. 18 1854-The greater part of this forenoon I spent together with Bros
Lewis and Johnson conversing with Bro. Van Houtin showing him that the spirit
he possessed the previous evening would lead to apostasy if not separated from. He
afterwards felt much better and manifested a spirit of repentance and gave us the
hand of fellowship. In the afternoon I did some jobs of carpentry putting up some
shelves in the house.
Tuesday 19th- According to the request of Elders Lewis, Johnson, myself, and Br.
Woodbury, we went to see John Young, Minister of Interior to obtain licenses to
marry. He being the person who has that right. He told us he had to see ? Minister
of Public Instruction and would give us an answer on Saturday.
Wednesday, Sept. 20, 1854. This day I spent at the tin shop and covered it with
shade.

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Thursday 21st –This day I chiefly occupied in catching up on my journal. I also
wrote a letter to Bro. Green on the Island of Lanai.
Friday 22nd-At work on the shed all day.
Saturday 23rd- This morning Elder Woodbury and myself called upon Mr. John
Young, Minister of Interior again, relative to our obtaining license to marry. We
did not see him but he left word it was a matter of consideration and perhaps he
would give us an answer next week. This appears plainly that they wish to refuse
us of that right which belongs to us the same as the other missionaries (other
church) and which the constitution guarantees us. The greatest part of the
afternoon I spent in working.
Sunday 24th. I attended native meeting in the forenoon. One of the native Elders
preached a very good discourse. Elder Woodbury made a few remarks and there
was a good spirit manifested in the meeting. I always enjoy myself much better
among the natives than the whites.
Monday 25th-Most of the time I spent in the house reading besides attending to
small matters of business.
Tuesday 26th- This morning Bro. Woodbury and myself again called on Mr. John
Young relative to our receiving marriage licenses but received no decided answer.
This is the third time that we have called. It appears plainly that they intend to
prohibit us from marrying.
*Wednesday 27th-About seven o’clock this morning nine of our Brethren arrived
here from Salt Lake: Silas S. Smith, SilasSmith, Joseph Smith, Simpson Molen,
John Young, Eli Bell, Ward E. Pack, George Spiers and William Cluff on the
schooner Eurake . They were 19 days on their passage from the Coast, five months
from Salt Lake. They were all in good health and spirit, all young men with the
picture of health blooming on their countenances which would indicate to all that
they had come from a healthy country. We were happy to see them and had a time
of rejoicing in meeting with the Brethren from our mountain home and to learn of
the prosperity of Zion in their mountains. It was something highly interesting to us.
These are only a part of the company of Elders that were sent. There is yet ten at
the coast which we expect here soon, as soon as they can procure the means to
come. We spent the day very agreeable together telling over the scenes which we
had passed through and counseling together.
Thursday 28th and Friday 29th and Saturday 30th- Most of the time we spent
together talking over matters and counseling on our future operations and labors.

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On Saturday evening early candle light we all met together in counsel when the
new Elders were appointed to their different fields of labor on the different islands.
Elders Ward E. Pack, George Spiers, Silas S. Smith and Eli Bell to Maui. Silas
Smith to Molo Kai, Joseph [F.] Smith , John Young, and William Cluff to Oahu.
Elders Simpson Molen to Kauai.
Sunday October 1,1854-Attended native meeting
at ten o’clock and the new Elders attended also.
The natives were much pleased to see their new
(Kumu) or teachers as they call them from Salt
Lake. Young [16 year-old] Joseph Smith was
greatly venerated by the natives as being related
to the Prophet. Also John Young, being a nephew
of President Brigham Young. They were called
upon to speak to the people and Bro. Woodbury
interpreted. Elder Silas Smith also spoke for a
short time on the prosperity of the Saints in Zion
and the rapid progress of the kingdom of God
among the nations. The native saints all felt well
and were filled with rejoicing.
We met again at one o’clock for meeting. John Young was called upon to speak
to the native saints. I also spoke for a short time respecting the gathering of
themselves together to hear the sons of prophets which were sent to them holding
the keys of life and salvation and that they were sent to the islands of the sea to
gather up the remnants of Israel, of which they were apart, the sons of Jacob.
We held a meeting again at three o’clock p.m. among ourselves and what few
foreign saints that are in this place. We had a good time and were made to rejoice
much to hear from our new Brethren from Salt Lake about the prosperity of the
saints in the mountains.
Monday, October 2, 1854-Spent most of the day with the Brethren. In the evening
at early candle light we held a meeting again among ourselves. Most of the
brethren spoke and expressed their feelings. We also had some singing and had a
good time. We spent the evening very agreeable.
Tuesday 3rd- Elder Woodbury and myself again called upon Mr. John Young,
Minister of Interiors. He told us that he could do nothing without consulting the
government officials and would take our request into consideration. This afternoon
Elder Snider and six of the new Elders left here for the different islands and their

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fields of labor, on board the schooner Halalio. I accompanied them to the vessels.
We all shook hands commending each other to the care and protection of our
Father in heaven and praying for each other’s prosperity.
Wednesday 4th- I was at work the most of the day doing a job of carpentry putting
up a small shade.
Thursday 5th I kept this day as a fast, the forenoon I worked at the shades but was
quite unwell most of the afternoon. I lay down.
Friday 6th-Worked all day at the shade.
Saturday 7th- I occupied the most part of the day in writing and making some little
preparation for leaving for Lanai the first opportunity.
Sunday, October 8, 1854-I remained in the house all day and gave myself to
reading all the time.
*Monday 9th-I spent the day making preparations and getting myself ready to leave
this place tomorrow for Lahaina. Our long expected printing press has arrived at
last on board the ship, Living Age. I was engaged most of the afternoon assisting
in taking care of the material belonging to the press. Several parcels arrived here
yesterday on a British Man-o-war. There are rumors that these islands are annexed
to the United States which I hope may be true.
Tuesday 19th-The forepart of this day I spent in packing up and making
arrangements to leave this afternoon for Lahania, but after I got down to the wharf
I was disappointed finding the schooner had postponed sailing till tomorrow.
Wednesday 11th –The forepart of this day I was engaged in reading and writing. I
wrote a letter to Bro. Tanner to the coast. I received a blessing under the hands of
the Elders and gave them the parting hand and left Honolulu for a season. We
sailed at four o’clock p.m.. We had a good breeze and a fair wind, but spent a
rather disagreeable night as I was very sick.
Thursday 12th-We made poor headway all day as there was no wind, the sun was
uncomfortably warm and I was sick making it very unpleasant. The captain was a
gentleman and manifested a friendly spirit. About sun down we got a good breeze
and got to Lahaina about daylight.
Friday, October 13, 1854- This morning I went ashore in Lahaina and made the
best of my way to Bro. Hammonds. I found them all in good health and spirits.
Took breakfast with them and had a very agreeable time. Spent the day at Bro.

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Hammonds and did a little writing. About four o’clock there were two natives
called at Bro. Hammonds who had a boat going to Lanai loaded with provisions for
the island. They intended to leave about midnight.
Saturday 14th- Left Lahaina this morning at two o’clock and had a pleasant passage
across the channel. Got to Lanai a little before eight o’clock. We traveled up the
hill until we came to the Valley of Ephraim, the distance of about two miles. We
took breakfast at one of the native brother’s house.
We then went on about a mile further to the city of Joseph where we found Elder
Bussay at work planting his garden. He had just laid out the city on an elevated
piece of ground, a beautiful situation and just got up a new house for himself to
live in. He had a number of areas planted in his garden besides a large field of from
20 to 30 acres of corn and potatoes.
Sunday 15th-I attended native meeting three times today. Elder Hammond did the
most preaching as he was best acquainted with the language. There was a good
spirit manifested in all the meetings. I did not feel well myself, neither did I enjoy
myself as my system was much out of order.
*Monday, October 16,1854- This morning we commenced to plow on the island of
Lanai. The first plow I expect that was ever stuck in soil. The natives were some
amused to see it and felt to rejoice much in the operation. We all felt energetic in
the enterprise. Before the team started we all united and Elder Hammond offered
up a prayer to the Lord for his blessings to rest down upon the operation and that
this may be the beginning of good days and salvation to this people.
Elder Hammond and Green then left for Lahaina and left me by myself. Most of
the day I stayed in the house and did some little writing and other fixing about the
house.
Tuesday, October 17, 1854 The forenoon I spent hard at work planting36 acres.
This is the first commencement of my position on the Island of Lanai. This appears
to be a necessary portion of the Gospel to be taught to this people at this time,
which is my calling as president to teach them to work and to learn Industry. This
afternoon I spent chiefly in writing to Bros. Lewis and Johnson.
Wednesday, 18th Today I assisted in working with cattle to plough here.
Thursday, 19th This day I spend fixing a floor in the new house, and making
preparation to move into it, Besides hoeing out some corn.

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Friday, 20th This day in the forenoon I was engaged in clearing off a piece of land
by burning of the brush and all the days began about noon. Bro. Green returned
from Lahaina and brought me two letters, one from Elder Lawson on from Utah
Valley from my wife which made my heart rejoice muchly and flow with gratitude
to my Lord for his blessings on them and also on me since I left home. This
afternoon I spent reading the Deseret News.
Saturday, October 21st /54 This day myself and Elder Green were busily engaged
in fixing our new house putting in windows and the door.
Sunday 22nd, I attended meetings twice today in the afternoon I spoke with the
people through an interpreter on the necessity of the gathering together from
among the Nations of the earth, and that Israel had been broken off from time to
time and had been scattered among the nations of the earth and upon the islands of
the sea. And for their sins and wickedness were they smitten and scattered. But
through the faith and righteousness of their ancient fathers God made promises and
covenants with them, and that in the latter days He would again visit them in
mercy and gather them from wither they had been scattered and He would bring
them again to the lands of their fathers, and the time to favor Israel had come. And
that we were sent out as fishers and hunters to preach to them the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. The native brothers were much interested and manifested a grand spirit and
were willing to obey counsel.
Monday Oct 23rd/54, Tuesday 24th, Wednesday 25th Elder Green and myself were
busy working on our new house and in teaching the natives to do the same.
Thursday 6th. Part of the day I assisted Bro. Baker with his plowing and one of his
youngsters was sick. I remained in the house all day and gave myself to reading.
Friday 27th I gave myself to writing all day.
Saturday 28th I wrote a letter to my wife and family in Lehi City. The rest of the
day I gave to writing.
Sunday 29th Elder Baker attended Native Meeting twice today. There was a turnout
and a very good Spirit manifested in the ?. Kelolania and Kinau Pelio. 2 native
Elders preached in the fore noon. Elder Baker preached in the afternoon and was
followed by several of the native officers who spoke vert spirited…
[HERE ENDS THOMAS KARREN’S JOURNAL OF HIS TWO-YEAR
MISSION TO HAWAII. HE WAS RELEASED FROM HIS MISSION ON
JANUARY 16, 1845 AND LEFT HONOLULU FOR HOME. A NOVEMBER

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ENTRY IN THE OFFICAL LDS HAWAIIAN MISSION JOURNAL OFFERS A
LITTLE INSIGHT INTO HIS LAST FEW MONTH IN THE ISLANDS.]

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 APPENDIX A – MAPS AND PIC OF ISLANDS

1841 Map of “Hawaiian Group of Sandwich Islands”

First Assignment – Honolulu on Maui (2/17/1843 – 6/10/1853)

1
 Second Assignment – Big Island of Hawaii

(6/11/1843 – 6/10/1853)

Elder Karren spent much of his time in these beautiful valleys on the Windward Side

2
 Third Assignment – Lanai (8/28/1844 – 1/16/1855)

Bishop of the new City of Joseph, Valley of Ephraim (“the Gathering Place”)