Mr. Harris to Mr.
Seward.
No. 40.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan,
Yedo,
October 14, 1861.
Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith (No.
1) copy and translation of a letter from the Japanese ministers for
foreign affairs, informing me of the detection and death of two more of
the persons who were engaged in the attack on the English legation in
this city on the night of July 5, and further stating that the most
active measures are being pursued to secure the arrest of the remainder
of the band—five in number—who are still at large.
I also enclose herewith (No. 2) translation of a declaration, which was
signed by the whole of the desperadoes before making the attack.
I learn, from reports, that Mr. Alcock, the British minister, has at last
come to the conclusion that the Japanese government had no part whatever
in encouraging or inciting the attack in question; and that he is now
convinced that they are acting in good faith and are doing all in their
power to insure the safety of the foreign residents.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
TOWNSEND HARRIS, Minister
Resident.
Hon. Wm. H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington.
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[Untitled]
To his excellency Townsend Harris, minister
plenipotentiary of the United States of America,&c.,
&c., &.:
We have to state to your excellency that a standing order has been
issued to prosecute those who took part in the attack on the British
legation in the 5th month, and had effected their escape.
Accordingly, when it became known that Mayke Sinpatchiro and another
one had concealed themselves at Hihongomura, (name of the village,)
in the principality of Dsioshti, the proper persons to effect their
arrest were at once despatched to that village, where it was found
that both had committed suicide at a farmhouse. Sinpatchiro died
immediately, and the other, though seriously wounded, was still
living; he was, therefore, transferred to the prison, and surgical
aid given to him. On the 27th day of last month he also died. To
what place the others have taken themselves is not yet known, but
the order for a rigid inquiry has been given, the foregoing being
the report of the authorities of Dsioshti. When further arrests will
be made you will be notified. In the meantime we hasten to state the
foregoing for your information.
With respect and courtesy.
On the 4th day of the 9th month of the 1st
year of Runkin, (the 7th of October,
1861.)
KUDSI YAMATO NO KAMI.
ANDO TSUSIMA NO KAMI.
A true translation.
A. L. C. PORTMAN.
Translation of an agreement between fourteen
persons, having for its object the expulsion of foreigners from
Japan, in connexion with the attack on the British legation on
the night of the 5th of July, 1861, with
remarks,
I, the undersigned, of humble station, but animated with a grand
design, in honor of the sovereign, to get rid of the foreigner—the
barbarian, whose presence in the sacred empire is intolerable—do
hereby solemnly engage myself to that effect.
As it cannot be expected from a single person of the humbler class
that he will succeed in vindicating the power of the empire, I
intend, in all sincerity, to raise a limited armed force, and
thereby confer a thousand benefits upon the empire, to the best of
my ability.
Should this lead to the expulsion of the barbarian, without
disturbing the Emperor’s faithful, it would, indeed, redound to the
greatest honor of me, a person of the humblest class. Wherefore I
have determined to act, regardless of all consequences to
myself.
The 5th month of the 1st year of Runkin.
1. Ariga Hanya.
2. Okami Tamedziro.
3. Mayke Sinpatsiro.
4. Mori Handzoo.
5. Sakaki Etchaboro.
6. Kimura Koanoske.
7. Isikawa Kinsiro.
8. Yadzawa Kenoske.
9. Watanabe Kudzu.
10. Frucawa Simenoske.
11. Yamasake Sinoske.
12. Nacamura Teiske.
13. Cobori Torakitchi.
14. Kurosawa Goro.
A true translation.
[Page 804]
REMARKS.
Killed in the repulse by the Japanese guards:
6. Kimura Koanoske.
10. Frucawa Simenoske,
13. Cobori Torakitchi.
Arrested on the spot by the same:
5. Sakaki Etchaboro.
Arrested at Sinagawa after failing to commit suicide:
7. Isikawa Kensiro.
Found to have committed suicide at Sinagawa:
11. Yamasake Sinoske.
12. Nacamura Teiske.
Committed suicide at Hionghomura:
3. Mayke Sinpatchiro and another one.
According to which five of the fourteen desperadoes are still at
large.
