Mr. Blount to Mr. Gresham.
Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, May 24, 1893.
Sir: I received by the Australia arriving here on the 17th instant two telegrams from you, dated on the 9th instant, forwarded through W. A. Cooper, United States Dispatch agent at San Francisco.
I regret very much that it was found necessary to appoint me as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Hawaiian Islands.
On the afternoon of the former date I took the oath of office—which I inclose herewith—and have taken charge of the records and property of the legation.
I have done so because I supposed from the circumstance that I was appointed against a declaration on my part to you in Washington that I could not accept it, that some important reason, not contained in the telegram, made it desirable to the President and yourself that Mr. Stevens’ connection with the legation should be promptly severed.
I inclose herewith my resignation of the office, with the request that it be accepted, and my successor appointed as soon as practicable.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,