Mr. Seward to Mr. Pruyn
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the reception of your several despatches bearing the dates and numbers following, namely: April 30, No. 16; May 1, No. 17; May 1, No. 18; May 1, No. 19; May 2, No. 20; May 3, No. 21; May 3, No. 22; May 4, No. 23. I have also received from George S. Fisher, the United States consul at Kanagawa, two despatches, one of which, numbered 15, bears the date of May 7, and the other, written under the date of May 8, is marked 17.
Speaking in a practical sense, I may observe that all these papers advert to the critical condition of the relations between the western treaty powers and Japan, which has arisen subsequently to the demand upon the Tycoon for indemnities which has been made by the British government, or, at least, that the various questions which the despatches present are to be considered in view of that extraordinary condition of affairs.
The leave of absence for six months, within the next year, which you have solicited, will be granted, if the political crisis that now exists in Japan shall, in the mean time, pass off without producing any change inconsistent [Page 1127] with, or adverse to, the relations created by the treaty now existing between this country and that empire.
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I have carefully read your two notes addressed to Mr. Neale, her Britannic Majesty’s chargé d’affaires, in relation to the demand he has made upon the Tycoon’s government, and it gives me pleasure to say that I find nothing in them to disapprove. The counsel that you gave Mr. Neale was not obtrusive, and it seems to me to have been quite discreet as well as humane. On the other hand, this government, if it were disposed to be querulous, might well complain of some injurious statements and reflections which have found place in Mr. Neale’s portion of the correspondence. Nevertheless, the President permits me to pass them by, for two reasons: First. The good faith of the United States towards Great Britain and all the other treaty powers in regard to Japan, is impressed upon the records of our diplomatic intercourse with them. As yet it has not even been questioned; and it is not likely to be questioned by any one of those governments, or by any agent authorized to speak in their behalf. Secondly. The common interests of civilization and humanity require that there shall be concert and unity among the treaty powers, in the present crisis, unobstructed by jealousy, or suspicion, or unkind debate of any sort. From all the papers before me I learn that this was the situation of affairs at Yedo on the 8th of May, namely, that the British legation had demanded indemnities, which must be conceded on or before the 21st, or else that the British fleet would proceed to hostilities against Japan. Secondly. That the French naval forces were prepared to act in concert and co-operation with the British. Thirdly. That it was doubtful whether the indemnities would be seasonably conceded by the Tycoon government. Fourthly. That if that government should conclude to yield the indemnities, yet that, under the auspices of the Mikado and a combination of daimios hostile to the foreign policy of the Tycoon, a civil war was very likely to break out. Fifthly. That a popular excitement was prevailing which rendered the continuance of peace uncertain in every event, and that foreigners were assaulted and put in jeopardy of their lives by armed bodies of the Japanese, and among such foreigners were several Americans. Sixthly. It may be inferred from this circumstance that whatever claims the citizens of the United States might have to friendship, protection, or even freedom from danger, such citizens are likely to be confounded with all other foreigners in any uprising or disturbance of the public peace. Seventhly. The Wyoming, at the date of these despatches, had gone to Hong Kong for repairs. I learn here, however, that her repairs were completed on the 27th of April, and that she was then about to proceed to Kanagawa, so that she probably was there as early as the 21st May, the day finally appointed for the decision of the Tycoon’s government to be communicated.
I shall now give you the President’s opinion of your duty, and that of the commander of the Wyoming, in view of the situation which may be expected to be existing when this despatch shall have reached Japan. Your whole moral influence must be exerted to procure or preserve peace between the other treaty powers and Japan, based, if necessary, on a compliance, by the latter power, with the terms prescribed by them, inasmuch as it is not doubted that those terms will be demanded simply with a view to the necessary security of foreigners of all nations remaining in Japan.
Second. If the authorities of Japan shall be able to excuse themselves for the injuries which Americans may have suffered at the hands of Japanese subjects, and shall in good faith have granted adequate indemnities, or be proceeding to afford them, and also shall be able to guarantee the safety of American residents, the subject may rest; and while there the Wyoming will not commit any hostile act against the Japanese government or power. But, [Page 1128] on the contrary, if in your judgment it shall be necessary for the Wyoming to use her guns, for the safety of the legation or of Americans residing in Japan, then her commander will employ all necessary force for that purpose. If the members of the legation, or of the consulates, find it at any time unsafe to remain in Japan, they will, of course, seek a safe retreat as convenient as possible, and will report to this department. While executing these instructions you will, so far as may be in your power, continue to cultivate friendly sentiments on the part of the Japanese government, declaring, however, to them and to the representatives of the other powers, that in doing so you are seeking no exclusive or distinct advantage for this government, but only the common interests of all nations in that extraordinary country.
The Secretary of the Navy will give all necessary instructions to the commander of the Wyoming in harmony with the views of the President expressed in this despatch.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Robert H. Pruyn, Esq., &c., &c., Yokohama.