Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I transmit an extract from a despatch which has just been received at this department from Robert H. Pruyn, esq., the minister resident of the United States in Japan, in which he suggests the expediency of requiring of the Mikado a ratification of the treaties which have been solemnized between several of the maritime powers and the Tycoon of the Japanese Empire. Mr. Pruyn suggests certain naval and military measures which he thinks would be effectual to secure such a ratification. You will invite the attention of Earl Russell to those suggestions, and inform him that if her Majesty’s government should approve them, the United States would cheerfully direct Mr. Pruyn to use his exertions to secure the adoption of the measures which he has proposed in the interest of all the western powers.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.