Journal of a tour of Morea or Eimeo [i.e., Moorea], commencing April 14th and ending April 20th 1813

MLMSS 10558

fonds

14 April-7 September 1813

9654985

0.01 metres of textual material (1 folder) - manuscript

John Davies (1772-1855), teacher and missionary, was born in Wales. After joining the Methodists, he responded to a call for teachers by the London Missionary Society and sailed to Tahiti with his wife in 1800, arriving there in July the following year. He spent 54 years on Tahiti and neighbouring islands, and was the author of the first dictionary and grammar of the Tahitian language and 'History of the Tahitian Mission, 1799-1830', which remained unpublished until 1962.

Reference: 'Davies, John (1772 - 1855), school teacher and missionary', Dictionary of Welsh Biography. Accessed 10 June, 2021, https://biography.wales/article/s-DAVI-JOH-1772

Originally owned by French photographer, Jules Agostini (1859-1930), then by descent to family members. Sold through a French auction house in 2015 and bought by a French dealer. Then acquired by an American dealer who sold it to Maggs Bros.

Journal entries, 16 pages, written in John Davies' hand, concerning his journey around Moorea, 14-20 April 1813. Also includes extracts of his journal from 18 March to 7 September, 1813.

Davies notes that the journey was for the "purpose of teaching ... and also knowing the present state of the island.” He was accompanied by Samuel Henry and two servant boys, and he records their activities and his impressions while travelling to Apoletea, Tepê, Tiatal Bue, Moru and Ma’atea. The journal also includes information on the religious beliefs of the Islands' inhabitants.

The last three pages contain extracts from Davies' diary between 18 March and 7 September 1813, and includes news of births, correspondence with Pomare II, second king of Tahiti, and enquiries about religious instruction. Davies also notes the departure of the trading vessel Governor Macquarie for New South Wales.

Out of copyright:
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Title transcribed from first page

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