Mr. Pruyn to Mr.
Seward
No. 24.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Yedo,
June 9, 1862.
Sir: I have the pleasure to report to you that
the most cordial relations exist between the ministers of France and
Great Britain in Japan and myself.
Lieutenant Colonel Neale, the present chargé d’affaires of Great Britain,
who
[Page 1030]
has only been here a few
days, and Mr. Winchester, who occupied that post on my arrival, I found
to be frank and courteous gentlemen, animated by the most sincere desire
to cultivate the most friendly relations; and Monsieur de Bellecourt,
the minister plenipotentiary of France, has been unceasing in his good
offices. On the departure of Mr. Harris he addressed me a private note,
asking whether it would be agreeable to me that the Dordagne should
salute our flag, and this courtesy was only prevented by Mr. Harris
leaving in the steamer during the night. Subsequently he insisted on my
visiting the Dordagne, so that a salute might be given, which would
testify to the Japanese the cordial relations which exist between our
governments.
Shortly after the Dordagne left the port, and when about one hundred
leagues out, encountered a terrific typhoon, which carried away her
masts, nearly put out her fires, and left her, when she again reached
this port, almost a wreck.
The commandant, officers, and crew exhibited such skill and bravery in
saving the vessel, under the most adverse circumstances, and against
every human probability of success, as to induce me to address Monsieur
de Bellecourt on the subject. I have the honor to enclose No. 1, copy of
my letter, and Nos. 2 and 3, copies of the minister’s and commandant’s
replies, with translations.
I have the honor also to report to you that the most perfect accord
exists between my colleagues and myself on the subjects in which our
governments have a common interest. During the past month we have held
two official meetings, for the purpose of deliberation and to insure
harmonious action, and I entertain no doubt of the permanency of this
very desirable cordiality, the result of personal good feeling coming to
the aid of the desires and instructions of our respective
governments.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient
servant,
ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident in
Japan.
Hon. Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington.
[Untitled]
No. 74.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Yedo,
June 6, 1862.
Sir: I scarcely know whether to express my
regrets to your excellency, or to offer my congratulations, on the
recent disaster to the Dordagne.
His Imperial Majesty has sustained a pecuniary loss by the damage to
the vessel. He will also mourn the loss of a brave seaman, who died
in discharge of his duty. But another opportunity has been afforded
the naval officers of France for an exhibition of consummate skill
and seamanship, and of heroic bravery and endurance, which will no
doubt prove highly gratifying to his Imperial Majesty, particularly
in view of his intense solicitude for the development of the naval
power and glory of France.
The wonderful progress made in the creation of a navy, not only in
respect to the number, but also to the efficiency, of vessels
acknowledged to have no superiors afloat, and which is to be
principally attributed to the genius of his Imperial Majesty, has
attracted the attention of the world, and will add greatly to the
lustre of his reign.
Will your excellency allow me, through you, to offer my most
respectful congratulations to Monsieur Fancon, le capitaine de
vaisseau, on his return to Kanagawa. I hear his praises everywhere,
and that, under the good Providence of God, the safety of the
Dordagne is to be attributed to him, and I congratulate you that his
Imperial Majesty has so brave and accomplished an officer.
[Page 1031]
I avail myself of this occasion to renew to your excellency the
assurances of high consideration with which I have the honor to be,
your excellency’s most obedient servant,
ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident of the
United States in Japan.
His Excellency Duchesne de Bellecourt,
His Imperial Majesty’s Minister
Plenipotentiary, &c., &c, &c., in
Japan.
[Untitled]
Legation of
France,
June 7, 1862.
Sir: I received the very cordial letter,
dated yesterday, which your excellency did me the honor to write to
me on the occasion of the return of his Imperial Majesty’s ship
Dordagne, providentially escaped in the typhoon of the 29th of this
month, (of last month,) and I hastened to communicate to Mr.
Commandant Fancon the expression of your sympathy, upon whom, like
myself, it made a deep impression; and he intends addressing your
excellency, returning thanks, and also for his staff and crew.
The government of the Emperor, whenever informed of this courteous
attention by transmitting a copy of your excellency’s letter, will,
I feel fully convinced, highly appreciate, as I do, the sentiments
about his Imperial Majesty, as well as those about the French navy,
from the representative of a power with whom France entertains
relations of the most sincere cordiality.
Permit me, sir, while returning you my warmest thanks, to renew the
assurances. of the high consideration with which I have the honor to
be your excellency’s most obedient, humble servant,
DUCHESNE DE BELLECOURT, Minister
Plenipotentiary of his Majesty the Emperor of the French, in
Japan.
His Excellency Mr. Pruyn, Minister of the United States in Japan,
Yedo.
[Untitled]
Dordagne, Yokohama,
June 7, 1862.
Monsieur le Ministre: With a strong feeling
of gratitude I read the letter which your excellency was pleased to
write to Mr. the minister of France on the occasion of the disaster
which the Dordagne recently experienced at sea. I have the honor to
return your excellency my very sincere thanks for the kind interest
shown us.
I also thank you in the name of the imperial navy for the very
flattering manner in which you speak of her. These praises are the
more precious as coming from the representative of a great naval
power, whose navy has always distinguished itself among all others
by the beautiful construction and the magnificent condition of its
squadrons, testifying in every sea to the accomplishments of the
distinguished seamen who command them.
May it please your excellency to allow me to express how greatly
moved I feel by your kind courtesy, still more increasing my strong
sympathy for the United States, which, during my long career, my
numerous and cordial relations with their civil or military
representatives inspired.
With profound respect, I remain, M. the minister, your excellency’s
most obedient servant,
CHARLES FANCON, Post-Captain, Comd’g the
ship Dordagne, of the Imperial Navy.
His Excellency Mr. the Minister of the
United States
in Japan.
