Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part III

Mr. Pruyn to Mr. Seward

No. 1.]

Legation of the United States in Japan, Kanagawa, January 4, 1864.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herwith No. 1, translation of a letter from the minister for foreign affairs, informing me of the total destruction by fire of the palace of his Majesty the Tycoon, at Yedo, on the 25th ultimo. These buildings had only been finished shortly before my arrival, the old palace having been destroyed by fire in 1859. Rumor says the destruction was the work of Stotsbasi, one of the imperial family, and that powder was used in effecting it. While, the information that the Tycoon had escaped is rather strange language in reference to a fire which commenced as early as 6 o’clock in the evening, and gives some color to the rumor, the better opinion is that the fire was accidental. It is said to have originated in the women’s apartments, and that the Tycoon’s principal concubine, who was the accidental agent in the affair, has committed hara-kiri, (suicide.)

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident in Japan.

Hon. William H. Seward, Washington.

The Gorogio to Mr. Pruyn

We have to inform your excellency that last evening, at 6 o’clock, a fire broke out in the northern part of the castle, which, together with the palace Ninar, was totally destroyed. His Majesty the Tycoon fortunately escaped uninjured.

Which we have to state, with respect and esteem.

The 16th day of the 11th month of the 3d year of Bunkiu, (the 26th December, 1863.)

MIDSUMO IDSUMI-NO-KAMI.

ITAKURA SUWO-NO-KAMI.

INOWUYE KAWATSI-NO-KAMI.

ARIMA TOTOMI-NO-KAMI.

His Excellency Robert H. Pruyn, Minister Resident of the United States of America.