Mr. Pruyn to Mr. Seward

No. 5.]

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the United States ship Jamestown left this port on the 28th ultimo in search of the Alabama, as it is supposed that privateer may resort for repairs to the port of Amoy.

I should have preferred to have retained the Jamestown, as I have sent in the demands I have been instructed to make, but feel that no effort should be spared to effect the capture of that vessel. I therefore cheerfuly consented to and advised the departure of the Jamestown.

Having an interview with several governors for foreign affairs the day prior. to her departure, I announced my purpose to send her away, preferring that no vessel-of-war should be in a Japanese port while demands were pending, which I had hoped to have amicably adjusted because right, and not in consequence of any demonstration of force.

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, &c., &c., &c.