Mr. Gresham to Baron Ketteler.
Washington, August 9, 1893.
Sir: We have received a telegram from Mr. Blacklock, our vice-consul-general at Apia, Samoa, stating that Mataafa and his chiefs have surrendered and are prisoners on board the British and German war ships; that the war is virtually over; that the consuls await instructions from the three treaty powers as to the disposition to be made of Mataafa, and that his life was guaranteed previous to his surrender.
The U. S. S. Philadelphia reached Callao yesterday, where she will remain until further orders are dispatched to her.
The President would be pleased to know what action on the part of the three treaty powers is demanded by the present situation at Samoa, and especially what disposition your Government thinks should be made of Mataafa.
It now seems unnecessary that the Philadelphia should proceed, to Samoa, and she will be ordered elsewhere, unless Germany and England, for some good reason, think her presence is necessary in Samoan waters.
A similar note has been addressed to the British ambassador.
Accept, etc.,