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Johnson, W. Lon : Typed Letter Signed - "W. Lon Johnson"

Original letter typed in black ink on beige paper with signature in blue pen. Signed, "W. Lon Johnson." Letter on stationery with the header, "Superior Court of the State of Washington; For Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties; W. Lon Johnson, Judge; Colville, Washington." Datelined August 28, 1950 in Colville. 7 1/4" x 10 1/2." One page, complete. A few holograph corrections. Paper, text, and signature are very clean and intact except for a few minuscule wrinkles and some offsetting, which has resulted in much of the letter having a beige color, with a couple sections of white at top and bottom. A Very Good copy. W. Lon Johnson (1882-1967) was a Republican politician from Washington. He served in the Washington State Senate from 1919-1924 representing Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties, was elected the ninth lieutenant governor of Washington for one term, and then served as Superior Court Judge. Johnson writes to Mrs. Ruth E. Peeler, Vice Chairman of the State Parks and Recreation Commission, in Olympia. The main subject of the letter is a marker for the grave of the noted Indigenous sailor, instructor, and interpreter, Ranald MacDonald (or, McDonald; 1824-1894). MacDonald's father was Archibald McDonald, a Scottish fur trader for Hudson's Bay Company, and his mother was Koale'xoa (also known as Raven or Princess Sunday), the daughter of a Chinook leader named Comcomly. MacDonald was highly interested in visiting Japan. Despite Japan's isolationist policy at the time (Sakoku), which meant almost certain death or imprisonment for foreign visitors, MacDonald managed to land ashore, pretending to be shipwrecked, and eventually found himself in Nagasaki, which was the only port open to limited trade with the Netherlands. At the time, an increasing number of American and British ships had entered Japanese waters, which prompted demand for an English-language interpreter. MacDonald was chosen to instruct fourteen Japanese samurai, among whom was Einosuke Moriyama. Moriyama was instrumental in his role as Chief Dutch Interpreter during negotiations with Commodore Matthew C. Perry, which led to the reopening of Japan. The following is an excerpt from Johnson's letter: "In erecting a marker for Ranald McDonald's grave by the State Park and Recreation Commission, there would be no objections whatever made by anyone. In fact, it would be approved by cooperation of all interested persons. ... In view of the historical importance of Ranald McDonald's life, I believe the state should erect the markers and defray all expense. ... Judge Brown advised Tom Oakshott that the grave is in an Indian Cemetery and that the Cemetery is located on an allotment. The erection of markers should no longer be delayed. ... You doubtless have read Ranald McDonald by Lewis and Murakami, published in 1923. If you have not read it you will find the book in the State Library or in the library of the University of Washington. It is very interesting and an appealing story. I will be happy to assist in any possible manner in having the markers erected as you have suggested.". Manuscript. Book Condition: Collectible-Very Good. Binding: No Binding

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