Mr. Mills to Mr. Olney.

No. 180.]

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the funeral services over the remains of the late Albert S. Willis, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States, took place on the 8th instant.

The body was taken from his late residence about 11 o’clock in the morning and conveyed to the executive building, where it lay in state in what was formerly the throne room until 3 o’clock in the afternoon, at which time the religious services were held in the Central Union Church, after which the body was laid in a vault at Nunanu Cemetery, where it will remain until Wednesday next, the sailing day of the steamship Australia.

The funeral was one of the largest and most imposing that has occurred in Honolulu. Business was practically suspended during the day, the Government offices being closed. All the officials of this Government were present, and everything possible was done to show the respect and esteem in which the dead minister was held.

The minister of foreign affairs, Mr. Cooper, rendered me every possible assistance in arranging the details of the funeral.

The family of the late minister, consisting of Mrs. Willis, her son, and sister, Mrs. Dulaney, will leave Honolulu on the same steamer with the body.

I have, etc.

Ellis Mills,
Chargé d’Affaires.