Office of the Historian

Lord Stanley to Mr. Adams.

Foreign Office, March 29, 1867.

Sir: With reference to my note of the 14th of July last, on the subject of the Japanese indemnity, I have the honor to enclose a statement which I have received from the lords commissioners of her Majesty’s treasury of the sum due to the United States government on [Page 85] account of the difference between the British official rate of exchange and the actual current rate at the time when the instalments of the indemnity were paid. This statement is founded on certificates furnished by a bill-broker and by the Oriental Bank Corporation in Yokohama, and I have the honor to acquaint you that instructions have been given to her Majesty’s paymaster general to pay to you the sum of one thousand six hundred and thirty-five pounds eight shillings and fourpence, (£1,635 8s. 4d.,) being the amount due to the United States government.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

STANLEY.

Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

Japanese indemnity.

Amounts received into the treasury chest for remittance to the government of the United States of America.

On account of first instalment of $500,000, viz: Proportion (?) of the total prior charge of $420,000, viz: $70,000 payable to the three governments in equal amounts $23,333⅛
One-fourth each of the balance of the instalment, viz: $430,000, after deducting above 107,500
Total 130,833⅛

Sterling value of the above amount at the current rate of exchange, viz:

First instalment at 4s. 6d. the dollar £29,437 10 0
Amount already paid at the British official rate of 4s. 3d. the dollar. 27,802 1 8
Further amount due 1,635 8 4