Thus the face of Lorrin Thurston was spread throughout the United States to remind Americans of Hawaii's interest. See Soldiers Mail . However, after annexation the Republic of Hawaii continued to exercise all of its former authority except foreign affairs. Hawaii's Department of Foreign Affairs included consular functions and those duties were retained. Need for the stamps thus continued and a small supply of Official Stamps was held for use on consular mail.
Some covers bearing the official stamps on consular mail still survive.
Only the 5 is noted on cover after annexation. Post annexation consular letter dated July 19, 1899. Postally canceled official stamps are more valuable than those canceled with the foreign office mark and Scott Catalogue prices distinguish between the two type of cancels. The normal Honolulu barred oval cancel or one of the second class mail cancels will be found on a postally used stamp. 1897 Advertiser, lot 3673, Hono.