Mr. Seward to Mr. Pruyn.

No. 8.]

Sir: Herewith I transmit a sealed communication, addressed to their excellencies the ministers for foreign affairs of his Imperial Majesty the Tycoon of Japan, in answer to one from them on the subject of the retirement of your predecessor from the mission to that empire. I enclose for your information a transcript of this communication, and request that you will place the original in the hands of their excellencies without delay.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Robert H. Pruyn, Esq., &c., &c., &c. Yedo.