Mr. McBride to Mr. Seward.
Sir: It becomes my painful duty to announce to you the death of her Royal Highness the Princess Victoria Kamehameha Kahumanu, sister to his Majesty the King, and heir-apparent to the throne.
She departed this life on the 29th of May last. Her death has occasioned much grief throughout the nation, and especially with the more thoughtful portion of the natives, and with Americans, as her predilections were not British, but American.
She was interred on the 30th ultimo, or deposited in the mausoleum where her royal brother, Kamehameha IV and other members of the royal family are deposited.
Many conjectures are afloat as to whom the King will nominate as his successor to the throne, and I do not choose to hazard an opinion further than this, that it will be some one of undoubted British sympathies, policies, and predilections.
Our minister here should see that justice is done, as set forth in my two despatches, Nos. 44 and 54.
With great respect, I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of Slate, Washington, D. C.