Mr. Pruyn to Mr.
Seward
No. 37.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Yedo,
July 8, 1862.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit a translation
of the reply of the ministers of foreign affairs to my letter in
relation to the murder of two of the guards at the British legation,
(enclosure No. 1.)
I have no doubt that it is written in sincerity, and that the government
feels deeply pained at the occurrence.
I regret to say that many idle rumors are constantly agitating the
foreign residents at Yokohama, many of whom are too ready to believe
everything to the prejudice of the Japanese.
[Page 1041]
For my part I am amazed, when I consider that two centuries of isolation
have moulded the customs and opinions of this people, that there is so
much freedom of intercourse and so little appearance of hostility.
That many powerful daimios continue opposed to foreign trade is not
questioned. The party in favor of the old customs and laws may, indeed,
be more powerful than the party of progress. With time the latter will
triumph. Meanwhile the government, I think, have accepted the present
condition of things as a political necessity. It is sustained by a large
body of daimios, and by the entire mercantile class, which is destined
to rise into importance and power, and the masses of the people are
unmistakably and decidedly friendly.
Some of my colleagues apprehend that the policy of the unfriendly daimios
is to elevate the Micado at the expense of the Tycoon, and thus arouse
the prejudices and the political and religious intolerance of the people
and array them against the government of the Tycoon.
An ambassador of the Mikado to the Tycoon is now at Yedo. Of this I have
been informed by the government, but the effect of this mission has not
been disclosed.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient
servant,
ROBT. H. PRUYN, Minister Resident in
Japan.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington.
[Untitled]
We received your letter, No. 84, dated the 27th June, 1862, and fully
understood all you stated in relation to the accident that happened
at the English legation.
As for your communication that the repetition of such an accident
will lower us in the opinion of the civilized world, we are aware of
this; but this accident proceeded from the unsettled state of the
national feeling, owing to our people, as has often been
communicated to your excellency, being fond of the ancient custom.
We hope to regulate this national feeling gradually, however, and
change it so as to remove the apprehension of the foreigners.
But it is a shame to us that the present accident is owing to one of
the subjects of the Prince charged with the protection, although the
perpetrator already committed suicide; yet it is quite true that he
was very criminal, and we shall sentence to suitable punishment for
neglect of duty the officers who were there for protection.
While we were recently enabled to punish two more of the persons
engaged in the attack on the British legation in the 5th month of
last year, (July, 1861,) as you stated to us, which made us feel
somewhat easier, this accident again took place, for which our
regret is a hundred times deeper than that of your excellency.
We have given strict orders to increase the protection, and have
taken strict measures therefor. It is therefore desirable that you
will take our feelings into due consideration. Which we have to
state in reply to your letter, with respect and esteem.
The
6th day of the 6th month of the 2d year of Bunion, (the 2d
July, 1862.)
WAKISAKA NAKATSAKA NO TAYU.
MIDSUNO IDSUMI NO KAMI.
ITAKURA SUWO NO KAMI.
His Excellency Robert H. Pruyn, Minister Resident of the United States of
America, &c., &c., &c.
