Mr. Harris to Mr. Seward.

No. 31.]

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith (No. 1) copy of a letter from J. K. De Witt, esq., Netherlands consul general in Japan, informing me of his decision not to return to this capital until further instructed by his government.

I also transmit (No. 2) copy of my reply to the foregoing.

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

TOWNSEND HARRIS, Minister Resident.

Hon. Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington.

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No. 224.]

Sir: After the attack on the British legation on the night of the 5th instant, I have the honor to acquaint you that I have decided not to return to Yedo until I shall have received further instructions from my government on this subject.

At the same time, I have the honor to send you a copy of the letter whereby I have communicated, to the Japanese ministers this my decision, to which I am led by the same motives which moved me to leave Yedo temporarily in the beginning of this year.

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

J. K. DE WITT.

Townsend Harris, Esq., Minister Resident of the United States m Japan.

[Page 802]

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No. 74.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated the 10th instant, in which you inform me that, in consequence of the attack on the British legation in this city, you had decided not to return to Yedo until you are further instructed by your government.

You also enclose copy of a letter addressed by you to the Japanese ministers for foreign affairs, in which you announce to them your decision not to return here, adding that you are led thereto by the same motives which induced you to leave Yedo temporarily in the month of January last.

I return you my thanks for the information you have thus conveyed to me, and at the same time beg to refer you to the enclosed copy of a letter addressed to me by the Japanese minister for foreign affairs on the 4th of June, in wich they inform me of the punishment inflicted on seven persons for neglect of duty on the night of the murder of the lamented Mr. Heusken, of this legation.

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

TOWNSEND HARRIS, Minister Resident of the United States in Japan,

His Excellency J. K. De Witt, His Netherlands Majesty’s Consul General in Japan, Yokohama,