See also: International Recognition of the Republic of Hawaii
U.S. President Grover Cleveland personally signed an official letter giving full diplomatic recognition to the Republic of Hawaii.
Unfortunately the original signed and sealed copy of that letter cannot be found in the Archives of the State of Hawaii. However, there are several other letters in the archives signed by officials of the U.S. and Hawaii proving that Grover Cleveland’s original signed and sealed letter was in fact delivered to President Dole by appointment at a meeting of the Executive Council of the Republic of Hawaii.
Click on the photos to zoom in for more detail.
Tentative U.S. recognition of Republic of Hawaii: Four-page letter dated July 5, 1894 from Albert S. Willis, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary for the United States, to Sanford B. Dole, President of the Republic of Hawaii, received by him July 6. The letter acknowledges the receipt of notification that the Constitution has been established and the President and Cabinet have been installed. This letter gives the same (de facto) recognition to the Republic which had previously been given to the Provisional Government, and says that the matter will be referred to President Grover Cleveland for further action.
Letter dated July 6, 1894 from U.S. Consul General Ellis Mills to Hawaii Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis M. Hatch acknowledging the receipt of a letter from the Hawaii Minister informing the U.S. of the creation of the Republic of Hawaii.
Two-page letter dated August 8, 1894 from U.S. Secretary of State Gresham to U.S. Minister Willis approving his action of “carrying out the long approved rule of the United States of entering into relations with the authorities of an unopposed government.”
File cover dated August 25, 1894 whose title is “Announcing receipt of autograph letter from President Cleveland and asking for an appointment to deliver same.”
Requesting an appointment to present to President Dole the sealed original of President Cleveland’s letter recognizing the Republic of Hawaii. This is an original letter containing two paragraphs, on letterhead stationery “Legation of the United States” dated August 25, 1894, from U.S. Minister Willis to Hawaii Minister of Foreign Affairs Hatch saying “In accordance with instructions from Hon. W.L. Gresham, Secretary of State, I inclose office-copy of a letter from the President of the United States to His Excellency Sanford B. Dole President of Hawaii in response to his letter announcing the establishment of that Government and his assumption of the office of President thereof. It will give me pleasure to deliver the sealed original to President Dole, at such time and place as he may indicate.”
File cover entitled: “Address of Albert S. Willis U.S. Minister on presentation of autograph letter of President Cleveland”
One-page document which is the speech given by U.S. Minister Willis to President Dole and the Executive Council of the Republic of Hawaii upon presenting to them the letter of formal recognition from President Grover Cleveland.
Original of cover letter accompanying sealed original of President Cleveland’s letter recognizing the Republic of Hawaii.. The cover letter, dated August 25, 1894, contains only one paragraph on letterhead of “Legation of the United States” from Albert S. Willis, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary for the United States, to Hawaii Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis M. Hatch. The paragraph says: “I have the honor to inclose herewith copy of extract from dispatch from the Hon. W.L. Gresham of the 8th instant in regard to the recognition of Hawaii.”
U.S. President Grover Cleveland’s letter of recognition of the Republic of Hawaii — typewritten “office copy” referred to in earlier documents. Contents follow.
Grover Cleveland
President of the United States of America
To his Excellency
Sanford B. Dole,
President of the Republic of Hawaii.
Great and Good Friend:–
I have received your letter of the 7th ultimo, by which you announce the establishment and proclamation of the Republic of Hawaii on the Fourth day of July, 1894, and your assumption of the office of President with all the formalities prescribed by the Constitution thereof.
I cordially reciprocate the sentiments you express for the continuance of the friendly relations which have existed between the United States and the Hawaiian Islands, and assure you of my best wishes for your personal prosperity.
Written at Washington the 7th day of August, 1894.
Your Good Friend:
GROVER CLEVELAND.
By the President:
W.Q. Gresham,
Secretary of State.