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

[Extract.]

Mr. McCook to Mr. Seward.

No. 14.]

Legation of the United States, Honolulu, November 21, 1866.

Sir: I have the honor to enclose a copy of a communication addressed by me to Rear-Admiral H. K. Thatcher, concerning the good effect the visit and mission of the Vanderbilt have had upon the people and government of these islands. Certainly no conception could have been more happy in its results than that of the President in sending home to her people their favorite princess, as the honored guest of our government.

* * * * * *

I have the honor to be your very obedient servant,

EDWARD M. McCOOK.

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

Mr. McCook to Admiral Thatcher.

Legation of the United States, Honolulu, November 21, 1866.

Sir: You have informed me officially that your flag-ship, the Vanderbilt, Captain Sanford, sails to-morrow for the Pacific coast.

Permit me to express the regret which I feel, in common with every member of this community, at your departure.

The people and government of this country fully appreciate the compliment paid them by sending Queen Emma home in such a vessel as the Vanderbilt.

In addition to this, your presence here, and the good impression the officers of your flagship have made upon both government and citizens, have done more towards harmonizing American interests and increasing American influence than anything which has happened for years.

I feel profoundly gratified that the Secretary should have selected to accomplish the delicate mission on which you were sent, a vessel and officers whose presence and conduct here have made all Americans feel renewed pride in their country and their countrymen.

With sentiments of the highest regard, I have the honor to be your very obedient servant,

EDWARD M. McCOOK, Minister Resident.

Rear-Admiral Henry K. Thatcher.