Washington's Birthday in Honolulu: 1845

The 22^nd of February did not pass without a becoming expression of patriotic feeling and filial respect for the memory of him whom millions have delighted to style, "The Father of His Country." On board the Brandywine flags were displayed and national salutes fired at 8 and 12 o'clock. In the evening, George Brown, Esq., U.S. Commissioner, gave an entertainment to American citizens and other foreign residents.

There was a numerous attendance of the highest respectability. Most of the families of the American Missionaries, Commodore Parker, and officers of the Brandywine, English and American Consuls, together with numerous other gentlemen and ladies. Mrs. Hooper, lady of the American Consul, presided on the occasion.

The portrait of Washington, the Declaration of Independence, and the American Eagle, were made conspicuous, while American, English, French, and Hawaiian Ensigns were tastefully displayed in fitting up the honorable Commissioner's apartments.

It proved a pleasant season for the foreign residents to exchange kind salutations and social greetings on these distant shores which were unknown to the civilized world until about a half century after the birth of the IMMORTAL WASHINGTON.

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: March 1845, page 37.