POMARE IV: (1813-1877) Queen of Tahiti 1827-77. L.S., Pomare, three pages, folio, on board 'the little vessel of the Queen' (HMS Basilisk, whilst in exile at Raiatea), 11th March 1844, to Captain Gordon, in Tahitian. In the manuscript letter the Queen commences by pleading with her correspondent, 'Do not leave me with my family in this harbour, but take us to Samoa to the land free of the French and there leave me and my family' and further writes 'My compassion is great for my children, they do not enjoy health in this little vessel and I cannot send them on shore as we are banished by the Governor. If you agree with my compassion that agreement will be good and this English flag will support me and my family', also commenting 'Seek well your thoughts about me now and about taking me and my family to another Island. This is my wish, and do agree with my wish. For wherever I am I am amidst my enemies and in great trouble'. In conclusion she further issues her correspondent with some instructions, 'If it is agreeable for you to take me and my family to another Island do not be in a hurry to go. Let this vessel go first to sea and then you follow. Because if you go first I may be stopped by the French. If I go first it will be good. If I go with my family to another Island still leave with me this little vessel till we hear from England, then this little vessel can take me again to my own land. If agreeable to you to take me to another Island write me another letter in answer that I may soon know - if agreeable to your wish - it will greatly ease my mind if you will now agree to my wish….' Accompanied by a contemporary English translation penned to a separate folio sheet of paper. Some light age wear, VG, 2