Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. Portman to Mr. Seward.

No. 70]

Legation of the United States in Japan, Yedo, December 16, 1865.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I have this day received a letter from the minister for foreign affairs, accompanied by an explanatory statement on his behalf by a governor for foreign affairs, to the effect that the Mikado’s ratification of the treaties had been so unexpected by those whose persevering hostility to foreign intercourse had been the fruitful source of embarrassment since the opening of the ports, that he deemed it his duty to recommend that foreigners should observe due caution when meeting Japanese, among whom there were no doubt a few whose fanaticism might prompt them to reckless deeds which the government would not at all times perhaps have it in their power to prevent. Deeming it prudent not to disregard this recommendation, I addressed a letter on this subject to our consul at Kanagawa, of which I herewith transmit copy, enclosure No. 1. I also addressed similar letters to our consul at Nagasaki and commercial agent at Hakodate.

While readily believing that this government is sincere in desiring to secure the safety of the lives and property of all foreigners in Japan, I did not fail to call the governor’s attention to the omission, on the part of the minister for foreign affairs, to accompany his warning with an assurance of active measures for protection or prevention having been taken accordingly.

I felt it my duty therefore to address a letter on that subject to the minister for foreign affairs, (a copy of which I herewith transmit, enclosure No. 2,) informing him that for any failure in this respect this government must expect to be held to a strict responsibility.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

A. L. C. PORTMAN, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim in Japan.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

No. 1.

[Untitled]

Legation of the United States in Japan, Yedo, December 16, 1865.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I this day received a letter from the Gorogio, in which it is stated that, “although greatly rejoiced at the Mikado’s sanction to the treaties having been obtained, by which the relations between the United States and Japan have been placed on an improved basis, yet their anxiety has also greatly increased in view of proceedings having for their object a rupture of friendly relations with their government, being probably contemplated by persons who feel keenly disappointed at this solemn act of the Mikado.”

It is clearly the duty of the Japanese government to control such lawless persons. The Gorogio have been distinctly informed to that effect; and also, that for any failure in this respect the United States will hold their government to a strict responsibility.

I request you to make the foregoing known to all citizens of the United States within your jurisdiction, and to recommend the observance of constant watchfulness against such outbreaks.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

A. L. C. PORTMAN.

George S. Fisher, Esq., United States Consul, Kanagawa.

No. 2.

[Untitled]

Legation of the United States in Japan, Yedo, December 16, 1865.

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s letter of yesterday, and in reply to inform you that it is clearly the duty of your government firmly to control all such persons who might attempt by violent means to bring about a rupture of friendly relations between the United States and Japan; and I hereby very respectfully, but at the same time most distinctly, notify your excellency that for any attempt against the life or property of any American citizen in this country the United States will hold the Japanese government to a strict responsibility.

I shall at once communicate your letter to the United States consuls at the open ports for the information of all citizens of the United States in Japan.

With respect and esteem,

A. L. C. PORTMAN, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States in Japan.

His Excellency Midsuno Idstumi no Kami, Minister for Foreign Affairs, &c., &c., &c., Yedo.