Mr. Seward to the ministers for foreign affairs of Japan.
To their excellencies Kudsi Yamato no Kami and Ando Tsusima no Kami, ministers for foreign affairs of the empire of Japan:
I have received the letter which your excellencies did me the honor to address to me on the 5th day of May last, in which, while regretting the retirement of the late minister, Mr. Townsend Harris, you express the hope and belief that the new minister, Mr. Robert H. Pruyn, will prove not less acceptable to your government than his predecessor has been, and that he may be equally successful in preserving the most friendly relations between the two countries.
I assure your excellencies, in all sincerity, that in yielding to Mr. Harris’s desire to return to his native country, we felt the difficulty of selecting a fit successor to him, and regretted the necessity which compelled him to request his recall. I am sure, however, that in Mr. Pruyn your excellencies will soon discern the same qualities that commended Mr. Harris so warmly to your regard—the same just and conciliatory disposition, and the same earnest desire to advance the interests of your country, and, indeed, of all countries, without sacrificing those of his own. I am also sure that when Mr. Pruyn shall have resided long enough at the court of your empire to acquire a thorough knowledge of your affairs, he will be not less useful than the late minister was, nor less successful in winning your esteem and confidence.
Wishing you health and prosperity, I assure your excellencies of my highest consideration.