Mr. Harris to Secretary of State.
No. 21.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan,
Yedo,
June 7, 1861.
Sir: In my despatch No. 4, dated January 22, I
had the honor to inform you of the steps taken by me to insure the
arrest and punishment of the murderers of Mr. Heusken, the interpreter
to this legation.
Since then I have frequently pressed the Japanese ministers to give me
some evidence of the sincerity of their professions.
A large number of persons have been arrested on suspicion, but their
complicity
[Page 798]
in the crime could
not be brought home to them; some of them were convicted of other
crimes, and have been executed. I am convinced that the Japanese are
acting in good faith, and that they earnestly wish to discover and
punish the assassins of Mr. Heusken.
I hand you herewith (No. 1) copy and translation of a letter from the
minister for foreign affairs, stating that the three Yakonines who
attended Mr. Heusken on the night of his murder have been punished for
neglect of duty, and also that four guards, who were on duty near the
place where Mr. Heusken was assaulted, have also been punished for
remissness on. that melancholy occasion.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
TOWNSEND HARRIS, Minister Resident in
Japan.
Hon. Secretary of State,
Washington.
[Untitled]
To his Excellency Townsend Harris,
minister and plenipotentiary of the United States of America,
&c., &c., &c.:
We state to you in writing, in reference to the murder of Mr.
Heusken, secretary at your legation, which took place last year,
that stringent orders were issued to arrest the criminals, of which
we informed you before.
As the escort, however, on that occasion did not act properly,
punishment has been awarded to Sudzuki Dzennodzio and six other
persons, as stated in accompanying writing.
It is desirable that the foregoing be brought to your notice.
Stated with respect and courtesy.
On the 26th day of the 4th month of the 1st
year of Bunkin, (June 5, 1861.)
KUDSI YAMATO NO KAMI.
ANDO TSUSIMA NO KAMI.
Translation of sentence.
Sudzuki Dzennodzio, Kondou Nawosaburo, Adzime Konkichi, dismissed
the service; they cannot be reinstated, and are not permitted to
go out.
Sinkichi, Dzenske, Marorokee, Tatuemon, guards at the
guard-house, dismissed the service as guards, and not permitted
to serve again in that capacity.
A true translation.
A. L. O. PORTMAN, Interpreter.
