------------------------------------
Moved to Hawaii in 1853 with William Lawrence Gregg and Rebecca Eads Gregg. Rebecca was her aunt and one of the first white children born in Peoria, Illinois. Her apparently widowed father left Illinois and ultimately settled in California. Her maternal grandmother and three siblings were still in Illinois in 1850 but seem to have moved to California by 1855 when her maternal grandmother Mrs. Eads died.
In 1853 her uncle David Gregg was appointed by President Pierce commissioner to the Sandwich Islands; still later, for a time acting as the minister or adviser of King Kamehamaha IV, who died in 1863.
------------------------------------
Miss Cornelia A. Hamlin was married this evening to Capt. William Babcock, the officiating clergyman being Rev. S.C. Damon. The King and Queen were present. The former gave away the bride. But few guests were invited, they being chiefly the immediate friends of the parties or of the family. (From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
Monday, June 30, 1856.
Prince Lot called and invited Mrs. Gregg, Miss Hamlin and myself, to to attend a luau to be given on Wednesday in honor of the Queen. I told him Mrs. G. would not probably be able to go, as she had a child too young to be left. He said he hoped Miss H. could go as she was the Queen's most intimate friend and for that reason, he desired it especially. She could have a seat in the boat with his sister etc. Towards dark the King, the Queen, and suite, called to leave Miss Hamlin who had been riding with them. His Majesty was in good spirits and said he was none the worse for his marriage. (From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
Some more information about her voyage to San Francisco with Mr. Gregg:
Sunday, Nov. 7, 1853
Almost cold: fires would be a luxury. The land, though we are near it, is scarcely perceptible on account of the fogs. There is an occasional dampness in the atmosphere, which, I am told, is characteristic of San Francisco. If so, I can only say that I have no very pleasant anticipations of the climate. Another death this morning , the fourth during the voyage. The poor fellow was one of the ship's crew , a fireman. Several whales were visible during the day. They are quite common in this part of the Pacific. None that we saw were large. Encountered a school of porpoises, numbering many thousands. I never saw so many together before.
Monday, Nov. 7, 1853. Passed Monterey in the night, without stopping. A heavy sea all the morning. At 9'o'clock A.M. came in full view of the "Golden Gate," or entrance to the harbor of San Francisco. Miss Hamlin met her father (Orin Hamlin) soon after we arrived, and went with him to stay at her aunt's. Mrs. Atchison encountered her husband, very unexpectedly, before leaving the ship. Thus my cares and responsibilities are very materially diminished! The "Panama " got in, on Saturday, after a prosperous voyage. No deaths occurred on board, but according to the representations of passengers, some scandalous scenes were acted, owing to the conduct of a few prostitutes who almost took the ship by storm. Two or three of the same kind of "cattle" were on the "Republic," but they were treated as became their character and merits. It must be said also that for such persons, they behaved remarkably well, perhaps for the reason that most of the passengers kept aloof from them.
Mentioned in an earlier entry: "I had four trunks (Mrs. G's, Miss H's, and two of my own) besides that of Mrs. Atchinson, a lady travelling in my charge."
(From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
Personal tragedy also occurred that summer when the couples son Charles Eads, died on July 27th a month before his first birthday. A month later they left the Midwest for the Hawaiian Islands. They were accompanied by Rebecca's niece, Cornelia Hamlin, and the three arrived in Honolulu on December 19, 1853.
Once settled in Honolulu, a bustling sea port town of about 10,000 people, the Greggs and Cornelia joined in the social life surrounding the diplomatic corps of the Kingdom. State celebrations, national holidays and visiting warships were occasions for receptions, official calls, informal dinners and the like. The representatives of the United States, Great Britain and France were the most important resident diplomats. Thus, the Greggs were among the social élite of Honolulu. During the first year, Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli) was king, but he was already depending heavily on the advice and opinions of his nephew, adopted son and heir, Alexander Liholiho. It was during this year that Gregg was involved in treaty negotiations for annexation. While Kamehameha III was anxious for the success of the treaty, Alexander was opposed to it. The issue was settled when Kamehameha III died in December 1854. From that moment Alexander as Kamehameha IV pursued those policies which would strengthen the Kingdom and prevent annexation. Once the issue was no longer in contention, Alexander and Gregg and their families developed a close friendship over the next three years. The King often turned to Gregg for advice and often invited him to visit informally after state occasions. Queen Emma , his consort, befriended Rebecca and Cornelia. This confidence in Gregg led Alexander, his brother Lot Kamehameha, and Foreign Minister Wyllie to sound out the American on the possibility of his joining the Hawaiian cabinet. At the same time Gregg was finding the good life for himself and his family in Honolulu. In March of 1858 , Gregg's incumbency as commissioner was terminated. By that date, President Buchanan had gotten around to investigating the patronage possibilities of the Hawaiian mission. Buchanan had been elected in November of 1856, and inaugurated in January. He and Douglas had been competitors for leadership of the Democratic Party and for the nomination to the presidency. Consequently Buchanan and his secretary of state, Lewis Cass, were not friendly to those Democrats who were identified with the Illinoisan. Moreover, sentiments were expressed by Hawaiian residents against Gregg because of his religious affiliation
(From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
Moved to Hawaii in 1853 with William Lawrence Gregg and Rebecca Eads Gregg. Rebecca was her aunt and one of the first white children born in Peoria, Illinois. Her apparently widowed father left Illinois and ultimately settled in California. Her maternal grandmother and three siblings were still in Illinois in 1850 but seem to have moved to California by 1855 when her maternal grandmother Mrs. Eads died.
In 1853 her uncle David Gregg was appointed by President Pierce commissioner to the Sandwich Islands; still later, for a time acting as the minister or adviser of King Kamehamaha IV, who died in 1863.
------------------------------------
Miss Cornelia A. Hamlin was married this evening to Capt. William Babcock, the officiating clergyman being Rev. S.C. Damon. The King and Queen were present. The former gave away the bride. But few guests were invited, they being chiefly the immediate friends of the parties or of the family. (From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
Monday, June 30, 1856.
Prince Lot called and invited Mrs. Gregg, Miss Hamlin and myself, to to attend a luau to be given on Wednesday in honor of the Queen. I told him Mrs. G. would not probably be able to go, as she had a child too young to be left. He said he hoped Miss H. could go as she was the Queen's most intimate friend and for that reason, he desired it especially. She could have a seat in the boat with his sister etc. Towards dark the King, the Queen, and suite, called to leave Miss Hamlin who had been riding with them. His Majesty was in good spirits and said he was none the worse for his marriage. (From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
Some more information about her voyage to San Francisco with Mr. Gregg:
Sunday, Nov. 7, 1853
Almost cold: fires would be a luxury. The land, though we are near it, is scarcely perceptible on account of the fogs. There is an occasional dampness in the atmosphere, which, I am told, is characteristic of San Francisco. If so, I can only say that I have no very pleasant anticipations of the climate. Another death this morning , the fourth during the voyage. The poor fellow was one of the ship's crew , a fireman. Several whales were visible during the day. They are quite common in this part of the Pacific. None that we saw were large. Encountered a school of porpoises, numbering many thousands. I never saw so many together before.
Monday, Nov. 7, 1853. Passed Monterey in the night, without stopping. A heavy sea all the morning. At 9'o'clock A.M. came in full view of the "Golden Gate," or entrance to the harbor of San Francisco. Miss Hamlin met her father (Orin Hamlin) soon after we arrived, and went with him to stay at her aunt's. Mrs. Atchison encountered her husband, very unexpectedly, before leaving the ship. Thus my cares and responsibilities are very materially diminished! The "Panama " got in, on Saturday, after a prosperous voyage. No deaths occurred on board, but according to the representations of passengers, some scandalous scenes were acted, owing to the conduct of a few prostitutes who almost took the ship by storm. Two or three of the same kind of "cattle" were on the "Republic," but they were treated as became their character and merits. It must be said also that for such persons, they behaved remarkably well, perhaps for the reason that most of the passengers kept aloof from them.
Mentioned in an earlier entry: "I had four trunks (Mrs. G's, Miss H's, and two of my own) besides that of Mrs. Atchinson, a lady travelling in my charge."
(From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
Personal tragedy also occurred that summer when the couples son Charles Eads, died on July 27th a month before his first birthday. A month later they left the Midwest for the Hawaiian Islands. They were accompanied by Rebecca's niece, Cornelia Hamlin, and the three arrived in Honolulu on December 19, 1853.
Once settled in Honolulu, a bustling sea port town of about 10,000 people, the Greggs and Cornelia joined in the social life surrounding the diplomatic corps of the Kingdom. State celebrations, national holidays and visiting warships were occasions for receptions, official calls, informal dinners and the like. The representatives of the United States, Great Britain and France were the most important resident diplomats. Thus, the Greggs were among the social élite of Honolulu. During the first year, Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli) was king, but he was already depending heavily on the advice and opinions of his nephew, adopted son and heir, Alexander Liholiho. It was during this year that Gregg was involved in treaty negotiations for annexation. While Kamehameha III was anxious for the success of the treaty, Alexander was opposed to it. The issue was settled when Kamehameha III died in December 1854. From that moment Alexander as Kamehameha IV pursued those policies which would strengthen the Kingdom and prevent annexation. Once the issue was no longer in contention, Alexander and Gregg and their families developed a close friendship over the next three years. The King often turned to Gregg for advice and often invited him to visit informally after state occasions. Queen Emma , his consort, befriended Rebecca and Cornelia. This confidence in Gregg led Alexander, his brother Lot Kamehameha, and Foreign Minister Wyllie to sound out the American on the possibility of his joining the Hawaiian cabinet. At the same time Gregg was finding the good life for himself and his family in Honolulu. In March of 1858 , Gregg's incumbency as commissioner was terminated. By that date, President Buchanan had gotten around to investigating the patronage possibilities of the Hawaiian mission. Buchanan had been elected in November of 1856, and inaugurated in January. He and Douglas had been competitors for leadership of the Democratic Party and for the nomination to the presidency. Consequently Buchanan and his secretary of state, Lewis Cass, were not friendly to those Democrats who were identified with the Illinoisan. Moreover, sentiments were expressed by Hawaiian residents against Gregg because of his religious affiliation
(From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Moved to Hawaii in 1853 with William Lawrence Gregg and Rebecca Eads Gregg. Rebecca was her aunt and one of the first white children born in Peoria, Illinois. Her apparently widowed father left Illinois and ultimately settled in California. Her maternal grandmother and three siblings were still in Illinois in 1850 but seem to have moved to California by 1855 when her maternal grandmother Mrs. Eads died.
In 1853 her uncle David Gregg was appointed by President Pierce commissioner to the Sandwich Islands; still later, for a time acting as the minister or adviser of King Kamehamaha IV, who died in 1863.
------------------------------------
Miss Cornelia A. Hamlin was married this evening to Capt. William Babcock, the officiating clergyman being Rev. S.C. Damon. The King and Queen were present. The former gave away the bride. But few guests were invited, they being chiefly the immediate friends of the parties or of the family. (From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
Monday, June 30, 1856.
Prince Lot called and invited Mrs. Gregg, Miss Hamlin and myself, to to attend a luau to be given on Wednesday in honor of the Queen. I told him Mrs. G. would not probably be able to go, as she had a child too young to be left. He said he hoped Miss H. could go as she was the Queen's most intimate friend and for that reason, he desired it especially. She could have a seat in the boat with his sister etc. Towards dark the King, the Queen, and suite, called to leave Miss Hamlin who had been riding with them. His Majesty was in good spirits and said he was none the worse for his marriage. (From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
Some more information about her voyage to San Francisco with Mr. Gregg:
Sunday, Nov. 7, 1853
Almost cold: fires would be a luxury. The land, though we are near it, is scarcely perceptible on account of the fogs. There is an occasional dampness in the atmosphere, which, I am told, is characteristic of San Francisco. If so, I can only say that I have no very pleasant anticipations of the climate. Another death this morning , the fourth during the voyage. The poor fellow was one of the ship's crew , a fireman. Several whales were visible during the day. They are quite common in this part of the Pacific. None that we saw were large. Encountered a school of porpoises, numbering many thousands. I never saw so many together before.
Monday, Nov. 7, 1853. Passed Monterey in the night, without stopping. A heavy sea all the morning. At 9'o'clock A.M. came in full view of the "Golden Gate," or entrance to the harbor of San Francisco. Miss Hamlin met her father (Orin Hamlin) soon after we arrived, and went with him to stay at her aunt's. Mrs. Atchison encountered her husband, very unexpectedly, before leaving the ship. Thus my cares and responsibilities are very materially diminished! The "Panama " got in, on Saturday, after a prosperous voyage. No deaths occurred on board, but according to the representations of passengers, some scandalous scenes were acted, owing to the conduct of a few prostitutes who almost took the ship by storm. Two or three of the same kind of "cattle" were on the "Republic," but they were treated as became their character and merits. It must be said also that for such persons, they behaved remarkably well, perhaps for the reason that most of the passengers kept aloof from them.
Mentioned in an earlier entry: "I had four trunks (Mrs. G's, Miss H's, and two of my own) besides that of Mrs. Atchinson, a lady travelling in my charge."
(From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
Personal tragedy also occurred that summer when the couples son Charles Eads, died on July 27th a month before his first birthday. A month later they left the Midwest for the Hawaiian Islands. They were accompanied by Rebecca's niece, Cornelia Hamlin, and the three arrived in Honolulu on December 19, 1853.
Once settled in Honolulu, a bustling sea port town of about 10,000 people, the Greggs and Cornelia joined in the social life surrounding the diplomatic corps of the Kingdom. State celebrations, national holidays and visiting warships were occasions for receptions, official calls, informal dinners and the like. The representatives of the United States, Great Britain and France were the most important resident diplomats. Thus, the Greggs were among the social élite of Honolulu. During the first year, Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli) was king, but he was already depending heavily on the advice and opinions of his nephew, adopted son and heir, Alexander Liholiho. It was during this year that Gregg was involved in treaty negotiations for annexation. While Kamehameha III was anxious for the success of the treaty, Alexander was opposed to it. The issue was settled when Kamehameha III died in December 1854. From that moment Alexander as Kamehameha IV pursued those policies which would strengthen the Kingdom and prevent annexation. Once the issue was no longer in contention, Alexander and Gregg and their families developed a close friendship over the next three years. The King often turned to Gregg for advice and often invited him to visit informally after state occasions. Queen Emma , his consort, befriended Rebecca and Cornelia. This confidence in Gregg led Alexander, his brother Lot Kamehameha, and Foreign Minister Wyllie to sound out the American on the possibility of his joining the Hawaiian cabinet. At the same time Gregg was finding the good life for himself and his family in Honolulu. In March of 1858 , Gregg's incumbency as commissioner was terminated. By that date, President Buchanan had gotten around to investigating the patronage possibilities of the Hawaiian mission. Buchanan had been elected in November of 1856, and inaugurated in January. He and Douglas had been competitors for leadership of the Democratic Party and for the nomination to the presidency. Consequently Buchanan and his secretary of state, Lewis Cass, were not friendly to those Democrats who were identified with the Illinoisan. Moreover, sentiments were expressed by Hawaiian residents against Gregg because of his religious affiliation
(From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
Moved to Hawaii in 1853 with William Lawrence Gregg and Rebecca Eads Gregg. Rebecca was her aunt and one of the first white children born in Peoria, Illinois. Her apparently widowed father left Illinois and ultimately settled in California. Her maternal grandmother and three siblings were still in Illinois in 1850 but seem to have moved to California by 1855 when her maternal grandmother Mrs. Eads died.
In 1853 her uncle David Gregg was appointed by President Pierce commissioner to the Sandwich Islands; still later, for a time acting as the minister or adviser of King Kamehamaha IV, who died in 1863.
------------------------------------
Miss Cornelia A. Hamlin was married this evening to Capt. William Babcock, the officiating clergyman being Rev. S.C. Damon. The King and Queen were present. The former gave away the bride. But few guests were invited, they being chiefly the immediate friends of the parties or of the family. (From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
Monday, June 30, 1856.
Prince Lot called and invited Mrs. Gregg, Miss Hamlin and myself, to to attend a luau to be given on Wednesday in honor of the Queen. I told him Mrs. G. would not probably be able to go, as she had a child too young to be left. He said he hoped Miss H. could go as she was the Queen's most intimate friend and for that reason, he desired it especially. She could have a seat in the boat with his sister etc. Towards dark the King, the Queen, and suite, called to leave Miss Hamlin who had been riding with them. His Majesty was in good spirits and said he was none the worse for his marriage. (From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
Some more information about her voyage to San Francisco with Mr. Gregg:
Sunday, Nov. 7, 1853
Almost cold: fires would be a luxury. The land, though we are near it, is scarcely perceptible on account of the fogs. There is an occasional dampness in the atmosphere, which, I am told, is characteristic of San Francisco. If so, I can only say that I have no very pleasant anticipations of the climate. Another death this morning , the fourth during the voyage. The poor fellow was one of the ship's crew , a fireman. Several whales were visible during the day. They are quite common in this part of the Pacific. None that we saw were large. Encountered a school of porpoises, numbering many thousands. I never saw so many together before.
Monday, Nov. 7, 1853. Passed Monterey in the night, without stopping. A heavy sea all the morning. At 9'o'clock A.M. came in full view of the "Golden Gate," or entrance to the harbor of San Francisco. Miss Hamlin met her father (Orin Hamlin) soon after we arrived, and went with him to stay at her aunt's. Mrs. Atchison encountered her husband, very unexpectedly, before leaving the ship. Thus my cares and responsibilities are very materially diminished! The "Panama " got in, on Saturday, after a prosperous voyage. No deaths occurred on board, but according to the representations of passengers, some scandalous scenes were acted, owing to the conduct of a few prostitutes who almost took the ship by storm. Two or three of the same kind of "cattle" were on the "Republic," but they were treated as became their character and merits. It must be said also that for such persons, they behaved remarkably well, perhaps for the reason that most of the passengers kept aloof from them.
Mentioned in an earlier entry: "I had four trunks (Mrs. G's, Miss H's, and two of my own) besides that of Mrs. Atchinson, a lady travelling in my charge."
(From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
Personal tragedy also occurred that summer when the couples son Charles Eads, died on July 27th a month before his first birthday. A month later they left the Midwest for the Hawaiian Islands. They were accompanied by Rebecca's niece, Cornelia Hamlin, and the three arrived in Honolulu on December 19, 1853.
Once settled in Honolulu, a bustling sea port town of about 10,000 people, the Greggs and Cornelia joined in the social life surrounding the diplomatic corps of the Kingdom. State celebrations, national holidays and visiting warships were occasions for receptions, official calls, informal dinners and the like. The representatives of the United States, Great Britain and France were the most important resident diplomats. Thus, the Greggs were among the social élite of Honolulu. During the first year, Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli) was king, but he was already depending heavily on the advice and opinions of his nephew, adopted son and heir, Alexander Liholiho. It was during this year that Gregg was involved in treaty negotiations for annexation. While Kamehameha III was anxious for the success of the treaty, Alexander was opposed to it. The issue was settled when Kamehameha III died in December 1854. From that moment Alexander as Kamehameha IV pursued those policies which would strengthen the Kingdom and prevent annexation. Once the issue was no longer in contention, Alexander and Gregg and their families developed a close friendship over the next three years. The King often turned to Gregg for advice and often invited him to visit informally after state occasions. Queen Emma , his consort, befriended Rebecca and Cornelia. This confidence in Gregg led Alexander, his brother Lot Kamehameha, and Foreign Minister Wyllie to sound out the American on the possibility of his joining the Hawaiian cabinet. At the same time Gregg was finding the good life for himself and his family in Honolulu. In March of 1858 , Gregg's incumbency as commissioner was terminated. By that date, President Buchanan had gotten around to investigating the patronage possibilities of the Hawaiian mission. Buchanan had been elected in November of 1856, and inaugurated in January. He and Douglas had been competitors for leadership of the Democratic Party and for the nomination to the presidency. Consequently Buchanan and his secretary of state, Lewis Cass, were not friendly to those Democrats who were identified with the Illinoisan. Moreover, sentiments were expressed by Hawaiian residents against Gregg because of his religious affiliation
(From The Diaries of David Lawrence Gregg: An American Diplomat in Hawaii).
------------------------------------
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