Jones, Jr to Comly, May 26, 1882
Mr. Jones to Mr. Comly.
Sir: I am very desirous of placing myself under the protection of the United States if it is possible for me to do so.
In order that you may fully understand my case I beg to submit to you the following facts: I am an American by birth, having been born in the city of Boston, Mass., in the year 1837, where my ancestors for many generations were born.
In the year 1857 I came to these Islands and established myself in business, marrying the daughter of Mr. E. 0. Hall, who was connected with the American mission.
In the year 1864 I had an opportunity of purchasing a vessel under the Hawaiian flag. I applied to the collector of customs, Mr. W. Goodale, to see if I could arrange to have the vessel placed in the name of some Hawaiian subject in order to avoid taking the oath of allegiance to the Hawaiian Government, as was required by all owning vessels under that flag. He replied that if any person made oath that he was owner of the vessel he would be obliged to take such oath as being true. Not wishing to ask any person to take a false oath I concluded to take the oath of allegiance, after being assured that should I return to Boston I would be entitled to all the rights and privileges of an American citizen after a residence of six months in that city, and also after satisfying myself that I was not called upon to forswear my allegiance to my native country. I herewith submit a copy of the oath taken by me:
“The undersigned a native of the United States of America lately residing in Honolulu, being duly sworn, upon his oath declares that he will support the contitution and laws of the Hawauan Islands, and bear true allegiance to His Majesty Kamehameha IV.”
Having become a citizen of Hawaii, and having property of my own, I felt it my duty to vote and use my influence on all occasions for good government, and I have always endeavored to do my duty in this respect. But the majority of the voters here are irresponsible natives with little or no property to protect, and I feel a want of security under the present state of things, and am consequently very anxious to feel if possible that I may be secure. I accordingly make this application to you, assuring you of my willingness to renounce my allegiance to Hawaii, and taking any oath, however strong, which will reinstate me as an American citizen. I would add that I have never been a candidate for any political office in the Hawaiian Government, the only object inducing me to swear allegiance to Hawaii being for business purposes. Asking your early consideration of this matter,
I have the honor, &c.,