The Bishop Museum has received a handwritten manuscript, titled "Reminiscences of My Early Life and Sojourn in Hawai'i from 1836 to 1861," from the author's great-great-grandson.

Though only nine pages, the manuscript, written by Benjamin Pitman, details some of the author's interactions with King Kamehameha III and other members of the Hawaiian monarchy.

His great-great-grandson, Theodore B. Pitman of Massachusetts, donated the manuscript to the museum this week.

"The manuscript is significant because much of what we have during this timeframe is seen through missionary eyes," said Bishop Museum educator Noelle Kahanu. "As a merchant, and one who was wedded to High Chiefess Kino'ole of Hilo, Pitman's observations are much less constrained."

The manuscript becomes a part of the Bishop Museum archives collection, which includes photographs, art, maps, books and recordings. The archives are on the second floor of Paki Hal, and are open Tuesday through Friday, from noon to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information, e-mail library@bishopmuseum.org or call (808) 848-4148.