Mr. Seward to Mr. Pruyn
Sir: Tour despatch of April 10 (No. 15) has been submitted to the President. It is an occasion of sincere regret, that the government of Japan has not been able to guarantee the safety of foreigners sojourning in the country, and that it has thus been brought to the necessity of yielding to demands of indemnity under coercion. I am bound to believe that that crisis which you have informed me was approaching, has now actually passed. I can give you, therefore, only instructions with reference to what may be expected to be the condition of affairs existing at the time when this communication shall have reached you. It is manifestly the interest and the duty of all the western powers to maintain harmony and good accord in Japan. We have not only a right, but also good reason, for supposing that her Majesty’s government will not seek any conquest or exclusive advantage in that empire as a result of any conflict which may have taken place. So long as the operations of the British government shall be confined to the attainment of the objects announced in preliminary communications, it will be your duty to lend to them all the moral support in your power. And the naval forces of the United States which may be present, while protecting the American legation and American citizens sojourning there, will take care not to hinder, oppose, or embarrass the British authorities in the prosecution of those objects. The United States having no grievances of their own to complain of against Japan, will not unite in hostilities against that government, but they will, at the same time, take care not to disapprove of or censure, without just cause, the measures which Great Britain adopts to obtain guarantees which, while they are necessary for her, must also result in the greater security of all the western nations.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Robert H. Pruyn, Esq., &c., &c., Yedo.