Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward
No. 20.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan,
Yedo,
April 20, 1867.
Sir: In my despatch No. 12, of the 21st
February last, I transmitted translation of an invitation on behalf of
his Majesty the Tycoon to an audience at his castle in Osacca, and also
(enclosure No. 5 of that despatch) translation of
a letter from the Gorogio, announcing the postponement of the audience
in consequence of the death of the Mikado, which took place shortly
after the invitation had been issued.
Similar invitations and announcements had been made to the
representatives of England, France, and the Netherlands. When, however,
towards the expiration of the period of mourning for the late Mikado,
there was no indication of a renewal of the invitation to an audience,
and deeming it desirable, in concert with my colleagues, that all
uncertainty in relation to the approaching opening of the ports and
cities to foreign trade and residence, according to the treaties and
existing agreements, should be removed as speedily as possible, I
addressed a letter to the Gorogio on that subject, a copy of which I now
have the honor to transmit, (enclosure No. 1.)
I also transmit No. 2, copy of a despatch from the Gorogio, informing me
that the Tycoon will grant me an official audience in the early part of
next month.
Rear-Admiral Bell arrived here a few days ago in the flag-ship Hartford,
but as the machinery of that ship requires slight repairs, she will be
obliged to remain here for some ten days at least. In order therefore to
reach Osacca at the time appointed, I shall leave in the Shenandoah on
the 25th or 26th instant, accompanied by the steamer Wyoming, also at
present on this station. I transmit No. 3, copy of my letter to the
Gorogio, announcing my approaching departure.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
Hon. William H. Seward
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Untitled]
No. 29.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan,
Yedo,
March 30, 1867.
The time is rapidly approaching when the cities of Osacca and Yedo,
and the ports of Hiogo and Newgato, are to be opened to foreign
commerce and trade, according to the agreement made by the treaty
powers with the government of Japan.
Arrangements preparatory thereto are necessary to be made, especially
at the ports of Hiogo and Osacca. But nine months now intervene, and
your excellencies must be aware that at least that time will be
necessary to make those arrangements and to give such notice as
would be requisite for the faithful carrying out of the
stipulations.
The undersigned is therefore desirous of visiting Hiogo and Osacca,
to enable him, by personal observation, more intelligently to enter
into the adoption of such regulations as may be necessary upon the
opening of those places; and having consulted with his colleagues,
will, in concert with them, as soon as is practicable, proceed to
Osacca, there to discuss with the government of the Tycoon such
necessary provisions and regulations.
With respect and esteem,
R. B. VAN VALKENBURGH, Minister Resident
of the United States in Japan.
Their Excellencies the Ministers for Foreign
Affairs,
&c., &c., &c., Yedo.
[Untitled]
His Excellency R. B. Van Valkenburgh,
Minister Resident of the United States of America,
&c., &c., &c.:
We have to state to your excellency that while we wrote to you in the
last year to mention hereafter the time for the audience to Tycoon,
at the castle in Osacca, in consequence of the general mourning, it
has been now informed from Kioto that the audience will positively
take
[Page 32]
place in the beginning
of the next month. This is for the purpose of making closer the
treaty of peace and to extend the friendship between two
nations.
Stated with respect and esteem,
INOMIYE KAWATSI NO KAMI.
MATSDAIRA SUMO NO KAMI.
OGASAWRA IKI NO KAMI.
The 8th
day of the 3d month of the 3d year of Cay An, (April 12, 1867.)
[Untitled]
No. 34.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan,
Yedo,
April 23, 1867.
I have the honor to inform your excellencies of the arrival of the
United States steamers Shenandoah and Wyoming at this anchorage, and
that I purpose to proceed with those vessels to Osacca, leaving here
about the 26th instant.
With respect and esteem,
R. B. VAN VALKENBURGH, Minister Resident
of the United States in Japan.
Their Excellencies the Ministers for Foreign
Affairs,
&c., &c., &c., Yedo.
