No. 296.
Mr. Peirce
to Mr. Fish.
Honolulu, August 20, 1874. (Received Sept. 7.)
Sir: By the bark D. G. Murry, that sailed hence on the 10th instant for San Francisco, I had the honor to forward dispatches of this legation, numbered 275 to 278, inclusive.
As it is probable this may reach you some days sooner than the above-mentioned dispatches, I repeat in substance that of No. 277 as being of some importance, namely, that King Kalakaua, with a suite of four or five persons, including two to be commissioned as diplomatic agents of this government to that of the United States, intends to leave here for San Francisco and Washington, via the Pacific Railroad, some time during the month of October next, probably the early part thereof. The object prompting the King’s visit to the United States is to make an endeavor to re-open negotiations for a reciprocity treaty, and to inform himself in regard to our country, people, and institutions. In view of our peculiar relations with this kingdom, and of the latter’s present political and pecuniary condition, I beg leave to suggest and most earnestly recommend to the United States Government to extend to King Kalakaua and party similar courtesies, attentions, and hospitalities to those provided by the United States Government for the late King Kamehameha Yon the occasion of his proposed visit to the United States in 1872, and which his sudden decease prevented, from being carried into effect. The political and moral effect of such action on the part of the United States will be to strengthen every American interest connected with these islands.
If Rear-Admiral Almy, commanding the United States North Pacific fleet, should be absent on a cruise, I would suggest that Rear-Admiral Reynolds, be detailed for the special duty indicated, and to take any [Page 670] United States vessel for the purpose that may be found immediately available at San Francisco or Honolulu.
The interval between this and the time named for the King’s departure for San Francisco being brief, I have transmitted by telegraph to the State Department a message conveying the intelligence of the main fact contained in this dispatch.
I respectfully request that the same mode be adopted for informing me of the determination arrived at in regard to the subject-matter.
With great respect, &c.,