Mr. Pruyn to Mr.
Seward
No. 26.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Yedo,
May 11, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith (No.
1) copy and translation of a letter from the minister of France,
supplementary to his letter of the 5th instant, copy of which formed
enclosure No. 1 of my despatch No. 24, and No. 2, copy of my reply to
the same.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient
servant,
ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident in
Japan.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington.
[Enclosure No. 1.]
Mr.
Bellecourt to Mr. Pruyn.
Legation and Consulate General
of France in Japan, Yedo,
May 8, 1863.
Sir: With reference to my letter of the 5th
instant, I beg to call your excellency’s attention to an important
point relating to the fresh extension granted in the conference of
the same day between the French and English representatives and
admirals; one of the conditions of this postponement being that the
governor of Kanagawa should at once put a stop to the deplorable
state of things resulting from the cessation of all trade and the
disappearance of all servants and coolies in the employ of
foreigners; on non-compliance with which the admirals would consider
that in suffering this state of things to remain the Japanese
themselves take the initiative of hostilities, and would then, in
the
[Page 1096]
interest of the
general security of the settlement of Yokohama, take all measures
rendered necessary by the state of affairs. It is agreed, sir, that
in such call we would immediately inform you of these measures.
Be pleased to accept, sir, the renewed assurance 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 France in Japan.
His Excellency Robert H. Pruyn, Esq., Minister of the United States in Japan.
[Enclosure No. 2.]
Mr. Pruyn
to Mr.
Bellecourt.
No. 54.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Yedo,
May 11, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your excellency’s letter of the 8th instant, of which,
being supplementary to your letter of the 5th instant therein
referred to, I shall also transmit a copy to my government.
Be pleased to accept, sir, the assurance of the high consideration
with which I have the honor to be your excellency’s most obedient,
humble servant,
ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident of the
United States in Japan.
His Excellency Duchesne de Bellecourt, Minister Plenipotentiary of France.
