Mr. Pruyn to Mr. Seward
Sir: I regret to have to announce to you the total destruction by fire of the buildings occupied by this legation in this city at two o’clock in the morning of the 24th instant.
The books and archives of the legation, with the exception of some printed volumes, I am happy to say are saved, though mostly in a more or less damaged condition. A heavy rain was falling at the time, and it is difficult to say which had the mastery in the work of destruction, rain or fire.
Although the buildings were about two hundred feet long, and the fire commenced at the end farthest from the office, when I attempted to save some of my clothing and furniture, after attending to the public property, I was borne off by the Yakunius in charge, who remonstrated on account of the danger.
In fifteen minutes the entire building was in flames. You will find it difficult to understand this unless you bear in mind that all the partitions are of exceedingly light wood and paper, with thicker paper where privacy is to be secured.
[Page 1098]All my furniture, with a few trifling exceptions, is destroyed, but I think myself and each of my family can boast a change of clothing.
I received information a few moments ago that the mail steamer leaves for Shanghai early to-morrow, and have no time to enter into particulars.
I desire to believe, for the sake of this government as well as our own, that this fire was purely accidental. Still, for weeks, and even for months past, repeated attempts have been made to induce me to leave Yedo.
A few hours after the fire occurred I received several visits of condolence from various governors of foreign affairs by order of the Gorogio, at all of which it seemed taken for granted I would at once leave for Yokohama. I was assured, however, of protection while here.
I have replied that I have no fears for my personal safety, and never had, and have demanded that other quarters be assigned me.
While desiring to avoid the charge of being foolhardy, and not disguising the fact that all our citizens at Yokohama advise and desire me to leave Yedo, I have determined not to do so at least till other quarters have been assigned me, and my right of residence here be thus acknowledged.
It is possible that I may then leave on a visit of a few weeks to Yokohama, as the Tycoon and his ministers are still absent, and at the present time it may also be well to be near my colleagues. I am happy to say that no injury was sustained by any person.
The Yakunius on guard were active and kind. The number of guards around the premises on the night of the fire was over 500. As the flames spread I was obliged to go from building to building on the premises, and it was a singular spectacle, as I passed the different guard-houses, to witness the men seated quietly at their posts, while the air was filled with huge sparks which were flying over them.
If the building was purposely fired, no better night could have been selected to prevent the spread of the conflagration.
The adjoining temple was not destroyed, only the legation buildings, three dwellings occupied by priests, the building occupied by the officers of the guard, and a few of the guard-houses.
Captain McDougal kindly offered to come up with the Wyoming at once, but I promptly declined his offer, desiring him to remain at Yokohama for the protection of our citizens.
While believing that my remaining at Yedo thus far will meet the approval of the President, I hope that, should I find it advisable to leave for a season, it will not receive his censure, but that he will kindly consider that I have stood fire long enough in the absence both of life and fire insurance companies in this city.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William. H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington.