No. 31.
Mr. Robertson to Mr. Blount.
His Excellency, James H.
Blount,
Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of
America.
Tour Excellency: I beg to submit the following statement:
I was on duty at Iolani palace on the 16th day of January last. The report of the landing of the United States naval forces, created a feeling of surprise and excitement among the officials at Iolani palace.
Standing on the front veranda of the palace building at the time the United States troops marched past, the scene greatly depressed me, and the immediate impression conveyed to my mind was that they had been landed to take possession of these islands.
Later on, and during the evening, I heard the rumor that the reason for their landing was for the purpose of assisting the revolutionists in carrying out their scheme for overthrowing the Queen and her Government. Next morning (Tuesday) on seeing the position in which the troops were quartered, commanding both the palace and the Government buildings I felt assured that such was the case, and that the troops were landed for the purpose of intimidating the Government forces and to lend their aid to the revolutionists if it was required.
I have the honor to be, sir, your excellency’s obedient and humble servant,
Her Majesty’s Chamberlain.