Mr. Dayton to Mr.
Seward
No. 463.]
Paris,
May 13, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith a
translation of a communication just received from the three Japanese
ambassadors now travelling in Europe.
[Page 84]
It would seem that, through Mr. Pruyn, minister of the United States at
Japan, the government of Japan has ordered the construction of a
vessel-of-war in the United States. Its ambassadors are now desirous of
knowing at what date the vessel will be completed, in order that, after
having visited the United States, they may return in it to their
country.
May I ask that you will, as soon as possible, furnish me with the
necessary information.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward
&c., &c., &c.
[Translation.]
Japanese Ambassadors to Mr. Dayton
To His Excellency M. the Minister
of the United States of America:
We have to communicate to you the following:
Some time since our government asked of the government of the United
States, through the American minister in Japan, to construct a
vessel-of-war.
As Japanese envoys travelling in the different countries with which
we have concluded treaties, and consequently having also the
intention of visiting yours, we have the project of making our
return voyage on board of the said vessel-of-war if the construction
of it is finished. It is on this account that we beg you to be
pleased to ask of your government at what period this vessel will be
constructed, and to send us the answer at the place where we may
then be.
With respect and consideration.
IKEDA TSIKOEGO-NO KAMI.
KAWADZO TDZOE-NO-KAMI.
KAWADA SAGAMI NO-KAMI.
The
4th day of the 4th month of the 4th year of
Bunn-Cue.
