Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. McCook to Mr. Seward.

No. 12.]

Legation of the United States, Honolulu, October 29, 1866.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the United States steamer Vanderbilt arrived here on Monday, the 22d instant, with the queen dowager of Hawaii on board.

I transmit herewith a copy of a despatch addressed me by the minister of foreign affairs, expressing the gratitude of his Hawaiian Majesty’s government and people for the respect and attention paid Queen Emma during her visit to the United States. Permit me to assure you that the courtesies extended to her are thoroughly appreciated and gratefully received by all the people here, both native and foreign. The respect which has been shown one of their native sovereigns, and the presence in this harbor of a man-of-war like the Vanderbilt, will greatly increase the esteem and respect in which our government is held.

The Prussian man-of-war Vineta (propeller) sailed from here on the 23d instant, bound for China and Japan, after remaining in this port seventeen days.

I have the honor to be your very obedient servant,

EDWARD M. McCOOK.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

Mr. De Varigny to Mr. McCook.

Department of Foreign Affairs, Honolulu, October 23, 1866.

General: I have the honor to enclose you a letter directed to the rear-admiral, commander-in-chief of the United States squadron in the North Pacific, conveying to him the thanks of his Majesty and of this government for his most kind attentions and hospitality towards her Majesty Queen Emma and suite. The King, his government, and his people will always remember with gratitude the numerous marks of sympathy and respect received by her Majesty during her visit to the United States, and they sincerely trust that the feelings thus created will perpetuate the friendly understanding that has for so many years existed between the two countries.

I renew to you the assurances of the high respect and distinguished consideration with which I remain, sir,

Your very obedient, humble servant,

C. DE VARIGNY.

His Excellency General E. M. McCook, Minister Resident of the United States of America, &c., &c., &c.