Mr. Seward to Mr. Pruyn
Sir: Your despatch of the 16th of February (No. 10) has been received.
The President cheerfully leaves you to exercise your own discretion as to the waiver of any points that may arise between yourself and the government of the Tycoon in regard to the change of the location in Yedo for the residence of our legation. You are, however, to confer, and, if possible, agree upon the subject with the representatives of the other treaty powers.
The letter of the Mikado to the Tycoon is ominous of serious disturbance of the relations which have recently been inaugurated with so much effect through the concert of the principal maritime powers, and which have promised such great advantages to the general cause of progress and civilization. You will represent to the ministers of foreign affairs that it is not at all to be expected that any one of those powers will consent to the suspension of their treaties, and that the United States will co-operate with them in all necessary efforts, and by the use of all necessary means, to maintain and secure the fulfilment of the treaties on the part of the Japanese government. In communicating this determination, you will take care to avoid, as far as possible, any expressions which might be regarded as disrespectful or minatory, while you will, on the other hand, leave no room for the supposition that this government can separate itself, in any way, from the interests of the other treaty powers. The occasion is one of such great importance that I have thought it expedient to communicate to those powers a copy of this paper, together with such portions of your despatch as are necessary to its elucidation.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Robert H. Pruyn, Esq., &c., &c., Yedo.