Lanai Mormons - Palawai Experiment - Lanai Culture & Heritage ...

Thursday 22 nd March/55.
This morning Bro. Hammond arrived from Maui in a small boat. The wind was high and it
was with much difficulty that they made the shore on this Island. He stove a hole in the
bottom of the boat in landing, and felt to attribute the preservation of their lives to the
mercies of our Father in heaven. He was loaded with wheat and potatoes. The wheat is
from Oregon, of a peculiar quality that we intend to sew. The potatoes is also from
California, they are also intended for seed. He also had a box of grapes. Sets of two or
three hundred sent from California, Santa Clara by W.E. Dodge as we have deemed it
wisdom to open a farm on these Isles for the benefit of this people. We are anxious to
procure the best kind of every kind of grain and fruits that we may excel if possible in all
kinds of produce, and thereby obtain the highest price in market.
Friday 23 rd March/55.
Bro. Hammond returned to Maui this afternoon. The wind has gone down in a measure
and the sea more calm. I have planted [page 179]
potatoes that Bro. H. brought over this afternoon on a choice spot of ground, and planted
a portion of the grape shoots by the assistance of Bro. Rice, who is at this time laboring
with me on the farm.
Saturday 24 th March/55.
This morning it commenced to rain and has rained all day. I have remained at home in
my house, spent my time in reading the Deseret News. The news is cheering from the
valleys of the Saints. Peace and plenty is in their midst & the spirit of oneness prevails
through the peaceful valleys of the Saints.
Sunday 25 th March/55.
This morning Captain Maiola arrived from Maui baring a letter from Bro. Hammond
stating that he could not come over until after Conference on the account of his wife’s
health. She was quite poorly when he arrived at home, but thought that she would be
able to move soon after Conference. That comes off on the sixth of April next. The wind
is very strong from the northeast accompanied with plenty of rain. This wind is what is
termed in this country hoolua or trade wind at this time of the year. They are very strong
and frequently do considerable damage. The weather is quite chilly and uncomfortable
on the windward side of the Islands, but on the Kona side it is warm & pleasant. [page
180]
Monday 26 th March/55.
The weather still continues stormy. A strong wind from the northeast accompanied with
heavy rain. Bro. Rice and myself has been engaged in finishing off my house. We have
made two doors today and hung them. This has enclosed the same.
Tuesday 27 th March/55.
The storm still continues. We have still been to work at partitioning of the rooms. I have
set up two bedsteads in my room that makes my house much more convenient than the
one we now inhabit. It is large and roomy and will be very convenient when finished.
Läna‘i (1853-1864) – A History of the Mormon Mission at Päläwai
Working Manuscript of the Läna‘i Culture & Heritage Center (November 2009) 34