Mr. Pruyn to Mr.
Seward.
No. 21.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan,
Yedo,
May 24, 1862.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith No.
1 original, and No. 1 translation, of a letter addressed to yon by the
Japanese ministers for foreign affairs, which was handed to me on the
occasion of my interview with them in company with Mr. Harris on the 5th
instant.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient
servant,
ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident in
Japan.
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State,
Washington.
[Untitled]
To his excellency the secretary of
State for foreign affairs of the States of America.
We have to state to your excellency that we learned that in
compliance with the request of Townsend Harris, esquire, leave had
been granted him by your government to return to his country. During
a period of more than five years, since we entered into treaty
relations, Townsend Harris, esquire, resided at our court as a
diplomatic agent. He has a perfect knowledge of the state of affairs
in our empire, and he has always been friendly, and made suitable
arrangements without cold feeling. By so doing, our friendly
relations, not only with your empire, but also with the other treaty
powers, have been drawn more closely; this, in fact, is to be
attributed to the efforts and the exertion of Mr. Harris, for which
we are most grateful. And for this reason we expressed a desire to
your excellency that he might continue to reside here for some
years.
But this desire does not appear to have reached your government, as
his successor has been selected, and Mr. Harris has been instructed
to return, which we consider as a necessity to be regretted; and it
is desirable that he may come back here.
However, as his successor has also been selected and sent by your
government, there may be no difference between the former and the
present minister; and we trust, therefore, that the present minister
will also arrange everything in a friendly manner, as has been the
case heretofore.
Stated with respect and esteem on
the 7th day of
the 4th month of the 2d year of Runkin (the 5th May,
1862.)
KUDZE YAMATO NO KAMI.
ANDO ISUSIMA NO KAMI.
A true translation.
A. L. C. PORTMAN.
