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No. 189, [Harriet S. Davis], Robert G. Davies, claimant, Honolulu, August 17, 1846
F.R. 125-130v1
To the Board of Commissioners for investigating land claims. Gentlemen:
[margin note: See counter claim No. 637]
The following is a statement of the boundaries limits & area of a certain piece of ground situated in the town of Honolulu upon which I now reside; and also a statement of the duration of occupancy and other particulars which I consider as giving me the right to claim such lot of ground before your board in behalf of my wife and her heirs. The description of said lot is as follows: according to the survey lately made by Mr. Metcalf with a plan or plot of the same, if desired.
Commencing at North corner of this place on South side of alley leading to Hotel St. being also the east corner of the Reeves' place and running
South 41 West 2 chains 35 8/12 feet along boundary line between this and the Reeves' lot to Paki's north wall and slight angle. Thence
South 48 15' East 2 chains 7 3/12 feet along Paki & Reynold's lots to the Haalilio place occupied by John Ricord. Thence
North 39 30' East 1 chain 4 feet along Haalilio place to slight angle; thence
North 37 East 44' 10/12 feet along Thompson lot to North corner of Thompson lot; Thence
North 47 West 1 chain 62 feet to place of commencement, taking in all boundary walls and including an area of fathoms 732 feet 15.
The above lot is part of a certain parcel of land, given many years since by his Majesty, Liholiho (Kamehameha II) to one John Reeves, said to be a native of France, at that time a (Punahele), or favorite of His Majesty, whether for service or payment of debt, or merely in consequence of the esteem entertained by His Majesty. A thing not uncommon at the first visits of foreigners at these Islands, as the gentlemen of the Commission are no doubt aware. I am unable to say; although from common report & the conversations I have had with old residents and natives I should presume probably the latter. One thing, however, is certain as can be shewn by the testimony of several individuals now living, and I doubt not of some of the chiefs also, that said John Reeves was one who accompanied his Majesty on his visit to England; that said Reeves did also occupy said land and kept a house of entertainment or Hotel thereon & that he occupied it a certain term of time free of all disp ....
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.... Honolulu December 2, 1846
S. Reynolds sworn: I arrived here on the 8th day of May 1843 [!] and Luahine [Rives] had a hotel on the place Robert (Lobata) is living now. Four weeks after I had arrived Hamata [sic] had a transaction with Luahine [Rives] for $350.00 or $400.00 probably. Four months after Hamata [sic] had arrived here, I went to live with him. When it was about two months before he was leaving this land, he gave me a small note asking me to take care of his daughter and wife and I have received letters from him from Macao and America telling me to take care of them, until the proper time when he would send the document of the sale between Luahine [Rives] and him for the land which was to be for his daughter and his wife. At all times, I have tried very hard in all things that was good for them according to their desires at that time. There were not many documents issued at that time for everyone knew that perhaps Luahine [Rives] had papers with Hamata [sic]. I have not known that anyone had objected to them. At that time a good road was built, and at this time a new road has been built, which has moved a little further toward the mountain.
I had seen at the time before that that property was enclosed with a fence like the one that is there now. There was a wooden fence, and a mud fence, too. It was not long before the entire fence was completely covered with mud like it is at the present time. I have not heard someone claim an interest there. I think Hamata had died in the year 1829 or close to that time.
See page 246
John Meek sworn: I do not know much, but I do know that Hamata (sic) had built houses and had lived there. I do not know exactly what he had left; however, I think he did leave for his daughter and wife (land) on which they have lived together to the present time. I think it was enclosed with a wooden fence at that time. I do not know too much, but I have not heard anyone say, from the time I had arrived to the present time, that he had any claim.
N.T. 246v2
No. 187!, R. G. Devis (Davis) From page 42
Halaki [Charlotte Holmes] had appeared before the officers who quiet land titles and said, I would like to have the place which Davis's wife is claiming, claim No. 189, be certified as for her only and I am relinquishing all of my rights with my signature.
Honolulu, June 30, 1847
[Award 189; R.P. 36; Hotel St. Honolulu Kona; 1 ap.; .60 Ac.]