Mr. Seward to Mr. Pruyn

No. 33.]

Sir: Your despatch of September 16 (No. 48) has been received, and read with deep interest.

The President does not fail to observe that some of the agents of some others of the treaty powers pursue, in their intercourse with the Japanese, a course more energetic, if not more vigorous, than that which you have followed under [Page 1066] the instructions of this department. He, nevertheless, approves your decision to persevere in your past course, which, so far at least, has attained all desired objects, while it seems to have inspired the Japanese authorities with sentiments of respect and friendship towards the United States.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

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