Mr. Pruyn to Mr.
Seward
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Yokohama,
June 20, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit enclosures
Nos. 1, 2, and 3, copies of important papers, for which I am indebted to
the kindness of Colonel Neale, her Britannic Majesty’s chargé
d’affaires. These papers, he informed me, have been read by him to a
governor for foreign affairs, and have been admitted to be genuine
documents.
They are exceedingly interesting, and will serve to give you a very
complete understanding of the condition of affairs.
I also enclose copies of two very important proclamations, the Japanese
versions of which were handed to me by an American merchant, who
understood they were letters from Matsudaira Etsizen No Kami, late
regent, announcing to his agent at Yokohama that the Mikado was under
the control of Satsuma, and other daimios hostile to foreigners, and
that he was about retiring to his dominions.
It is known that this Matsudaira Etsizen No Kami was the only great
daimio who, at Kioto, spoke against the project of excluding foreigners,
which he did warmly and eloquently. Shortly after I received a letter
from the ministers of foreign affairs, informing me he had been removed
from the office of regent, and the cause stated, on my making inquiry,
was, that he had not been removed for his friendship to foreigners, but
for his returning to his principality without leave, which no one could
do in Japan, however high in rank.
Whether the party from whom the papers were received intended to give
them, or accidentally exchanged them for the letter he proposed giving,
I cannot say.
The enclosure marked No. 4, I am assured by Takemoto Hayoto No Kami,
governor for foreign affairs, is of a sacred character, and was handed
by the Mikado to the Tycoon at an audience at which no other person was
present. It is not signed by the Mikado, but receipted by the Tycoon, as
he says was always the custom.
The enclosure No 4 is his translation, which, you will observe, differs
very materially from the others, in changing wholly the warlike features
into those of peace.
Enclosure No. 6 is the translation made by Mr. Thompson, attached to this
legation as tutor to my son, which was made before my interview with the
governor.
In order to satisfy myself which was correct, I sent the Japanese version
to the Reverend S. R. Brown, whose translation, agreeing in substance
with that of Mr. Thompson, I also enclose, (enclosure No. 7.)
Through the courtesy of M. de Bellecourt, the French minister, I also
received a translation by the abbe, Monico, a distinguished scholar,
which substantially agrees with the translations of Messrs. Brown and
Thompson.
Enclosures Nos. 5 and 8 are translations made by Messrs. Thompson and
Brown of another proclamation received by me, which was on the same
paper as Nos. 4 and 5. The governor said he knew nothing of any such
proclamation, but it is unquestionably genuine. It would be very
difficult, however, by any translation so to pervert its meaning as to
remove its odious features, and the only course left was to deny its
authenticity.
Time alone can disclose whether this government is acting with duplicity
in their intercourse with the foreign representatives, or in their
relations with the leading daimios.
The government of Japan is an oligarchy, and that in as odious a form as
can be imagined.
[Page 1109]
There are castes here as well as in India, from which, for generations;
there is no escape. There is no such thing as a middle class. The
merchant ranks below the mechanic. Whatever their wealth or education,
both classes must go on their knees before the poorest daimio. The
two-sworded men cannot labor, because it is a degradation. With incomes,
they are the arrogant lords of all other classes; without incomes, they
become their scourge.
Such a system could not be tolerated except in a country shut out from
knowledge and the world, and where the cost of subsistence is at the
lowest possible point through the joint operation of such exclusion, a
prolific soil, and simple habits.
The ruling classes undermined the fabric of their power and of this
government when they signed the treaty with Commodore Perry. Trade was
not thereby at once introduced, but ideas were.
The mercantile class, and the people generally, are beginning to learn
they have rights. A Japanese teacher said our people believe the United
States have the best government in the world; we must have such a
government; the power of the daimios must be broken; the people will
govern; two-tenths of the power of the daimios have already disappeared.
He further said the British demand does not perplex the government so
much as our internal troubles.
His declaration that the power of the daimios had been so much lessened
is not true, but it is undeniable that the people are beginning to
understand that there are better systems of government, and also to
desire an improvement in their condition.
The government assured me there is danger of civil war, as I have before
informed you, the cause assigned being the differences between the
daimios, growing out of foreign intercourse.
Should civil war come, as sooner or later it will, the power of the
people will be felt, and whatever else may follow, their elevation will
be its necessary and beneficial result.
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.
From the Daimios to the Tycoon.
This document is signed by the eleven daimios of Satsuma, daimio of
Mito, daimio of Saga, daimio of Toosookarra, daimio of Awa, daimio
of Aidzu, daimio of Mori, daimio of Koorada, daimio of
Tionomatzi-yama (Date totonomi nokami,) totonomi nokami, daimio of
Wakasa (Saikai Wakasa nokami,) and has created considerable
excitement among the friends of government:
“We have to express our thanks for several acts lately passed by you,
and for your plans for the future.
“You felt the necessity of exonerating the daimios from the
troublesome and expensive journeys to Yedo. Unfortunately the
changes made by you are very imperfect, although you gave us
excellent reasons which ought to have induced you to effect a
complete change instead of adopting semi-measures. If we must
economize in order to fortify and prepare Japan to defend itself,
and dictate its laws to foreigners, we imagine more money would be
saved, and our object more speedily attained, if we were completely
exonerated from one journey to Yedo. You informed a daimio who made
this observation to you that the relations between the lords of
Japan and the chief of the government could not be completely
closed. But these relations might be kept up by deputies sent to you
[Page 1110]
by the daimios;
these deputies would communicate one idea to you. As you say you
feel the necessity of resisting the encroachments of foreigners, we
hope you will make radical changes.
“We have to thank you, secondly, for the just punishment inflicted on
the daimios, and other members of government, who have behaved so
cowardly in their intercourse with foreigners. The punishment is
very light when compared with the crime, but we hope it will be a
salutary warning. We, however, regret to say that those who profited
by these punishments are unworthy of the confidence you place in
them.
“You also speak to us for the first time about some persons you have
sent to the foreign nations. We do not approve of this mark of
respect shown to people who might misinterpret your intentions, and
imagine that you endeavor to obtain the object in view by entreaty.
It is an undeniable fact that the barbarians have gladly consented
to your proposition, never to open the ports which have not yet been
opened, and restrict their liberty and privileges in the ports
already opened. They felt too delighted and too much honored in
receiving Japanese who, although not high-born, are respectable
persons, and who must have given a lesson in politeness and
diplomacy to these nations who are not yet formed (imada
fhioakadsaroo kooni.) We ought not, however, to humble ourselves so
much. You appear to be very satisfied and astonished at the result.
This is because you unfortunately allow yourself to be fascinated by
the high-sounding expressions used by the foreign ‘Yukanins’ at
Yokohama, called ministers, although it is
now fully proved that they only wish to amuse themselves, and
frighten you; besides this, they are the first to tremble, and when
you address them as a superior ought to speak to an inferior (like a
smaller person) they become very humble. It is also an undeniable
fact that the ministers have been severely reprimanded by their
respective governments, and that the latter have endeavored to
palliate the conduct of their representatives by the extremely
friendly and attentive manner in which they receive the persons sent
by you. These apologies ought to have been made by the ministers;
two of them have already been punished by
their sovereigns, and are now in disgrace. We are surprised
that, notwithstanding all these proofs, you do not yet comprehend,
as we do, that you represent the great Niphon.
“You ask us whether we demand the total expulsion of foreigners. No,
that is not exactly what we wish; at least we only want this
expulsion on certain conditions. Allow us to explain our wishes. It
has been justly affirmed that the treaty of commerce was granted to
the Jehitsroa, (English, French, Russians, and Americans,) and the
Dutch as a great favor, and after repeated and humble demands, and
therefore bore no resemblance to a legal contract. Instead of
enjoying the privilege as a favor, they wish to assert that it is
their legal right, and the majesty and dignity of our country cannot
endure such audacious conduct. They must be allowed, as in former
times, to gain money without defrauding our nation. We do not
understand the necessity of all these foreign Yakonins. The only
person required is a chief of the factory, or of the merchants, who
would have to learn our rules and regulations of commerce. This
would save you a great deal of trouble.
“You say they do not see matters in the light we do. All we have to
do, if this is the case, is to withdraw the privileges we have
granted to them. It is a law that everybody ‘who abuses a favor,
loses it ipso facto.’
“Part of your proclamation is incomprehensible. You say, ‘In fifteen
years everything will be ready.’ What do you mean by this? Do you
wish to affirm that Japan will be great and powerful then, and be
able to resist the encroachments of the barbarians, or do you wish
to say that you will then be able to expel them.
“In the first case, you own that Japan is weak—this is a disgrace for
the country; in the second, you appear to be willing to submit to
insults during
[Page 1111]
fifteen
years. You therefore see you are wrong in both cases. Why not say,
with us, Japan is ready, and has ever been ready? What is the
difference between to-day and two hundred and fifty years ago? Had
not the foreigners large vessels then, as now? Had they not
artillery and large armies? Did not they know the tactics of war?
Had they not large kingdoms? The only difference is that their
vessels were then propelled by sail, now, however, they use steam.
So much the better, they will leave quicker. Every Japanese sighs
when he thinks of the glorious past and looks at the present.
Remember how the barbarians respected the majesty and power of
Niphon. They respected our slightest wishes. Japan was delivered
from their presence; one single nation left hostages in Japan as a
proof of the good faith of the others. This was, however, a great
mistake, as their presence in Japan excited the cupidity and envy of
other nations. It is very difficult to understand you when you say
that the world has changed, and that it is difficult for a nation to
seclude itself. You, therefore, suppose that other nations are like
Japan and China! You say the world has changed. Do you wish to
repeat what an insane member of the Gorogio said when he insinuated
that we ought to adopt the customs, arts, and sciences of
foreigners. What science? To exchange a precious stone for a tile?
As you say, the Jehitsroa have arts and sciences; it will be very
easy to satisfy their wishes, as we only demand that the foreigners
shall first be punished, and then subjected to the old regulations
of Nagasaki. Many of you would regret to see the commercial
intercourse with the foreigners drawn to a close, as you pretend
some useful articles would be inaccessible, particularly guns, which
you say must make Japan more powerful than all the other nations. We
have, however, refuted these objections by saying, first, Japan has
been deprived of these articles during many thousand years; second,
that it would be very easy to send our vessels to China, in order to
buy them from the miserly foreign merchants who bring them thither.
They would be delighted to sell them to us, even after having been
punished and sent out of our coutry.
“We regret to see that for some time past you have been making
references to the customs and governance of foreign nations; and you
frequently speak, directly and indirectly, about imitating foreign
nations, and concentrating the government offices. In making such
insinuations, you expose yourself to severe criticism, and excite
distrust among your most faithful and devoted partisans. Is there
any authority among foreigners worthy of bearing the name of power?
Have they a Mikado, who is a grandson of the Kamis? Are not all our
high families of celestial origin? It is absurd to wish to unite
every power in one person. You might with equal justice say, ‘Let us
have one farmer, one merchant, one laborer.’ You are better aware
than we that power proceeds from the Tenshi, (Mikado,) who has
distributed it among the great families of Japan. This is a divine
order established by the Kamis, and he who wishes to change it
pretends to be wiser than the heavens.
“If you, however, absolutely wish to imitate foreigners, you must
consult with our sovereign, who is above everybody, and the supreme
chief, as is also the case with foreign nations. As he has confided
the government to your care, and has intrusted you to decide matters
of general interest, you must use your power prudently. If the honor
and safety of Japan is endangered, you alone cannot decide upon the
measures which are to be adopted. If, for instance, a fire breaks
out, it is useless for you to order the owners of houses which are
in danger to protect houses which are safe, because the proprietor
will endeavor to save the house which is liable to be destroyed by
the flames.
“You appeared to understand this a few months ago; you then decided
to accept the Mikado’s invitation; now, however, you hesitate and
postpone your journey. It is difficult to understand why you
hesitate; is it because some daimios have expressed their intentions
of going to Kioto? It is, however, quite natural that all the
daimios should be convoked to Kioto; and several
[Page 1112]
daimios have probably manifested
their intention of going to Kioto during your residence there, in
order to suggest this plan to you.
“As regards the advice you give us about the purchase of foreign
vessels, we fully believe this is dangerous for the country. A naval
force is useless, if it does not move about, if the vessels do not
visit distant countries, and if the sailors do not exercise
themselves. In order to have a navy, intercourse must be kept up
with other nations, and we wish to abolish this intercourse.
“Unfortunately a great error in the foundation of all your arguments
upon this subject is, Japan is not yet ready. Several daimios have
frequently requested you ‘to place the foreign question in their
hands.’
(“I kokoono girva ware warone makaroo berhed.”)
Despatch from the Mikado to
the Tycoon
The insolent intrusion of foreigners has now lasted during several
years, and it is extremely difficult to say when it will end. These
barbarians occasion deep affliction to the great Niphon, from its
sovereign down to the lowest native. I have frequently written to
you upon this subject, partly for myself and partly for my people,
and as I have already told you this calamity does not cease.
The foreigners must either be banished by force, or they must be all
removed to Nagasaki and Hakodadi. Measures must be adopted to render
it impossible for them to assert their pretensions, and if they are
allowed to remain in Japan, let it appear that they are not
here.
If these measures are not adopted a war will break out. Do not delay
these important reforms; and if they must be allowed to trade, their
commerce must be restricted and duly controlled.
Endeavor to settle this important affair with the daimios; but I must
add that these perverse and barbarian foreigners ought to be sent
out of our country.
12th Month.
Reply of the Tycoon.
In reply to your despatch we beg to state that we fully agree with
you. We intend to hold serious conferences with the high officers of
state, and we shall personally inform you of the result when we meet
you at Kioto.
You have informed me that great anxiety is felt at Kioto, as it is
not sufficiently protected if the banished foreigners intend to
create disturbances. We are well aware that Kioto might be in danger
if the barbarians revolted; but allow us to remind you that up to
the present time Kioto has always been confided to the care of the
government of the Tycoon, and we have never neglected this duty.
If you, however, consider the protection of government insufficient,
we shall send several daimios to watch over your safety. We have
commanded the principal daimios to fortify Japan, and defend it if
the barbarians revolt. We therefore request you will inform us which
daimios you prefer.
When we are at Kioto this matter will be amply discussed, and we
shall then be able to consult about the manner in which the
foreigners must be banished, and about the internal government of
our country.
12th Month.
[Page 1113]
The 21st
day of the 3d month,
at
Kioto.
Given to the daimios in the presence of the council of state.
The Tycoon, in compliance with the advice of the Mikado, has
postponed his return to Yedo.
As recently stated, the office of Thonging (commander-in-chief) will
remain the same as heretofore. If his authority extends from the
daimios to the lowest classes the imperial mind will feel
relieved.
According to circumstances, the Mikado may perhaps take charge of the
affairs of state.
Respectfully received,
No. 2.
Copy of a government notification sent to the
Oömetske (for general information to whom it may
concern.)
Given at
Miako
the 19th day of the 3d
moon.
“The Tycoon having received his Imperial Majesty’s command to expel
the barbarians, orders that an understanding† be arrived at with the foreign barbarians that
they are to be expelled from the country. Should they refuse to
yield, they must be swept away by force.
“Therefore let all (the so-called samurai) understand and vie with
each other in showing their diligence and fidelity to the end that
the empire may not come to shame.”
3d Moon.
Copy of literal translation. —Copy of proclamation.
3d Month, 21st
Day,
At Kioto, in the 2d Castle
(Negio.)
To the Gorogio seated in order and
Daimios.
The Tycoon, being about to return at different times, is delayed by
command of the Emperor. On a previous day it was declared
accordingly. The rank of Shiongoon and authority in all things, as
hitherto, will be continued. All daimios will perform everything
according to his instructions.
Then imperial quiet, (i. e., the anxiety of
the Mikado,) will be relieved.
Depending upon events, the Emperor’s high self will, of his sovereign
pleasure, condescend to conquer foreigners.
This is received submissively, and with due honors,
[Page 1114]
Copy of literal translation.—Copy of proclamation.
3d Month, 19th
Day,
at
Kioto.
To the Oömctshe (Jioo-i) Expulsion of
foreigners.
Imperial reception of the Emperor’s command is done.
Soon there will be a consultation of intercourse; and in case
foreigners do not consent, let them be attacked and swept away. Thus
it is proclaimed.
Then let all with one mind be strong of heart, that shame do not come
upon our country. Patriots will do this.
Let this, according to the foregoing, be communicated to everyone
above and under 70,000 koku* of rice.
No. 1.
[Untitled]
Copy of a
document addressed to the Daimios by the Gorogio, in regular
council seated, on
the 21st day of the 3d moon, at
his Imperial Majesty’s citadel, Nijiju, in
Miako.
“The Taikuns return to Yedo is further postponed by order of his
Imperial Majesty.
“As lately instructed by his Imperial Majesty, the jioo-ngoon’s
(commander-in-chiefs) official duties are in all respects, as
heretofore, confided to him by his Imperial Majesty.
“If, therefore, all the daimios take the special direction of affairs
in their respective commands and trusts, his Imperial Majesty’s mind
will be at rest.
* “It will depend upon circumstances how far
his Imperial Majesty may desire personally to take the conduct of
the exterminating war.”
The foregoing is reverently received on Irminal, i.
e., the August.
Proclamation to the Ono Mitske.
EXPULSION OF FOREIGNERS.
3d month, 19th day,
at
Kioto.
Imperial reception of the Emperor’s command is done.
Soon there will be a cessation of intercourse, and in case foreigners
do not consent, let them be attacked and swept away. Thus it is
proclaimed.
Then let all with one mind be strong of heart, that shame do not come
upon our country. Patriots will do this.
Let this, according to the foregoing, be communicated to every one
above and under 70,000 koku of rice.
