Mr. Dryer to Mr.
Seward.
No. 5.]
Legation of the United
States at the Hawaiian Islands,
Honolulu,
September 7, 1861.
Sir: Since my despatch of the 5th September was
closed and mailed, Mr. Wyllie has sent to this legation another draft of
a proclamation of the King in relation to privateering, &c., &c.
This is an improvement on the former one sent to me, and which I
returned.
I have only time to make a copy, which please find enclosed, and which I
send for the information of the government at Washington.
I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. Wm. H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington.
Proclamation of Kamehameha IV, King of the
Hawaiian Islands.
Be it known to all whom it may concern, that we, Kamehameha IV, King
of the Hawaiian Islands, having been officially notified that
hostilities are now unhappily pending between the government of the
United States and certain States thereof, styling themselves “The
Confederate States of America,” hereby proclaim our neutrality
between said contending parties.
That our neutrality is to be respected to the full extent of our
jurisdiction, and that all captures and seizures made within the
same are unlawful, and in violation of our rights as a
sovereign.
And be it further known that we hereby strictly prohibit all our
subjects, and all who reside or may be within our jurisdiction, from
engaging, either directly or indirectly, in privateering against the
shipping or commerce of either of the contending parties, or of
rendering any aid to such enterprises whatever; and all persons so
offending will be liable to the penalties imposed by the laws of
nations, as well as by the laws of said States, and they will in
nowise obtain any protection from us as against any penal
consequences which they may incur.
Be it further known that no adjudication of prizes will be
entertained within our jurisdiction, nor will the sale of goods or
other property belonging to prizes be allowed.
Be it further known that the rights of asylum are not extended to the
privateers or their prizes of either of the contending parties,
excepting only in cases of distress or of compulsory delay by stress
of weather or dangers of the sea, or in such cases as may be
regulated by treaty stipulation.
Given at our marine residence of
Kailua
this 26th day of
August, A. D. 1861, and the seventh of our
reign.
KAMEHAMEHA.
By the King and Kuhina Nui.
R. C. WYLLIE.
