Mr. Pruyn to Mr.
Seward
No. 42.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Yokohama,
June 24, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit enclosure No.
1, copy of my reply to the letter of the minister of foreign affairs,
the translation of which letter formed enclosure No. 2 of despatch No.
40. I hope that it and the replies of my colleagues may compel wiser and
more friendly counsels to prevail at Kioto. It will afford me great
pleasure if my action on this grave and delicate question shall meet
your approval and that of the President.
I avail myself of the unexpected detention of the schooner J. B. Ford to
send this despatch.
I have the honor to be, sir, your most humble servant,
ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister
Resident.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.,
Washington.
Mr. Pruyn
to
Ogasawara Dsusio no
Kami
[Enclosure No. 1.]
No. 68.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Yokohama,
June 24, 1863.
I have received your excellency’s letter of this date, announcing
that you have full powers to carry out orders of the Mikado and
Tycoon for the closing of the ports and removal of foreigners from
Japan. I have the honor to reply, that a solemn treaty has been made
by the government of Japan with the United States granting to its
citizens the liberty to reside and trade at these ports. The right
thus acquired will not be surrendered, and cannot be with drawn.
Even to propose such a measure is an insult to my country, and
equivalent to a declaration of war.
I shall send a copy of your letter to the President of the United
States, by whom it will be received with mingled emotions of
astonishment, sorrow, and indignation.
[Page 1122]
The determination of the Mikado and Tycoon, if, attempted to be
carried into effect, must involve Japan in a war with all the treaty
powers. It is perfectly absurd to hope for success—it will only
bring ruin upon, this flourishing, empire. Nothing can justify this
deliberate disregard of solemn obligations. The attempt to carry it
into execution would be an act of such extreme folly as only to be
attributable to an unwarrantable estimate of your own power and of
the overwhelming power of the western nations.
I have only to say, in addition, that the citizens of the United
States will remain in Japan, protected by the United States naval
forces now here and on their way. If life and property is threatened
or attacked, both will be defended to the last extremity.
I enter my solemn protest against your letter and the proposed
measures, and declare your government responsible for any
consequences which may follow, and liable for all losses which
citizens of the United States may sustain by reason thereof.
With respect and esteem,
ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident of the
United States in Japan.
His Excellency Ogasawavra Dsusio no Kami,
Minister of Foreign Affairs, &c., &c.,
&c.
