Mr. Gregg to Mr. Marcy.
Honolulu, December 29, 1854.
Sir. * * * From information which has recently come to my knowledge, I am inclined to entertain the opinion that the present head of the government will be disposed to preserve, if possible, the separate independence of the Hawaiian Islands. I anticipate, therefore, a notification, as soon as affairs are somewhat settled, to the effect that the negotiations for annexation to the United States are no longer to be entertained. This is rather a matter of inference than of positive certainty; but my own mind is convinced that the anticipations I entertained will prove to be well founded.
I think it also probable that efforts will be made to secure the protection of the existing sovereignty by the United States, France, and Great Britain. That foreign protection of some kind will be sought, I regard as almost a certainty. I should be glad to receive instructions to guide my conduct in the event of any such question being brought up for consideration.
The ministers who will doubtless be reappointed are men of honesty and integrity, but my observation leads me to conclude that in their estimation the retention of office is a paramount consideration. Their great fault is weakness and not perversity of purpose. Besides their views are all against the present administration of the United States, and it is not at all unlikely that they conceive it to be fair and just to pursue every legitimate course to play advisedly into the hands of those who desire political changes. These remarks are especially to be applied to the American elements of the Hawaiian Government.
I have, etc.,