It’s hard to tell the story of Isaac Davis without including John
Young. They arrived in Hawai‘i at the
same time (on different boats) and they served Kamehameha I as
co-advisors. I’ll try to keep the focus
on Davis, here (but remember, their roles in Hawai‘i are pretty much the same.)
Isaac Davis (c. 1758–1810) (Welch) arrived in Hawaii in 1790 as the
sole survivor of the massacre of the crew of The Fair American. He became one of the closest advisors to Kamehameha
I.
He and co-advisor John Young were instrumental in Kamehameha's military
ventures and his eventual conquest and unification of the Hawaiian
Islands.
Davis became a respected translator and military advisor for
Kamehameha.
Davis brought western military knowledge to Hawai‘i and played a big
role during Hawaii's first contacts with the European powers. His skill in gunnery, as well as the cannon
from the Fair American, helped Kamehameha win many battles.
Isaac Davis resided entirely with Kamehameha (note that his home is
near the King’s at Pākākā (see my post on March 15, 2012, noting the map of
Honolulu in 1810.))
Davis had the King’s “most perfect confidence” and he attended to
Kamehameha’s needs on all travels of business or pleasure – and ventured with
him during times of war.
Davis earned Kamehameha’s “greatest respect and the highest degree of
esteem and regard.”
He became one of the highest chiefs under Kamehameha the Great, and was
Governor of Oʻahu during the early-1800s.
Isaac Davis had been one of Kamehameha's closest friends and advisors.
An observer noted in 1798 that, "On leaving Davis the king
embraced him and cried like a child. Davis said he always did when he left him,
for he was always apprehensive that he might leave him, although he had
promised him he would never do it without giving him previous notice."
Davis was known among the Hawaiians as “Aikaka.”
Davis married twice. His blood survives to this day; the Davis family
is reportedly the oldest foreign family in the Hawaiian Islands.
His daughter Betty married Humehume (George Prince Kaumuali‘i, the son
of King Kaumuali‘i of Kauaʻi.) His
grandson was the second husband of Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani.
When Kamehameha sought to negotiate with King Kaumuali‘i of Kaua‘i,
Kamehameha summoned Isaac Davis to escort Kaumuali‘i to O‘ahu.
At Pākākā (at Honolulu Harbor, in 1810,) it was agreed that Kaua‘i
would join with the rest of the archipelago, but that Kaumuali‘i would continue
to rule that island while acknowledging Kamehameha as his sovereign -
reportedly, Isaac Davis assisted in the negotiations, on behalf of Kamehameha.
Several chiefs opposed this agreement and wished that Kaumuali‘i be put
to death and plotted a secret plan to poison him.
Isaac Davis learned of the plot and warned Kaumuali‘i – then,
Kaumuali‘i fled back to Kaua‘i.
Isaac Davis suddenly died in April, 1810.
Apparently, the poison that was intended for Kaumuali‘i was given to
Davis.
When Isaac Davis died, it was a shock to Kamehameha and a “dark day” in
the life of the king.
Davis was buried in Honolulu, in "The Cemetery for
Foreigners"; however, the exact burial location is not known.
After his death, his friend and co-advisor to Kamehameha, John Young,
looked after Davis' children. In addition, Young's will, dated 1834, stated:
"I give and bequeath to be equally divided between my surviving children
and the surviving children of my departed friend the late Isaac Davis of
Milford in England, in such manner as it shall please His Magesty the King and
his Chiefs."
The image is a memorial in O‘ahu Cemetery to Isaac Davis and his
descendants.
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