Mr. Pruyn to Mr.
Seward
No. 57.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Kanagawa.
September 3, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that on the
19th ultimo, the day previous to that fixed for the departure of the
expedition against Choshu, and while the representatives of the treaty
powers were hearing the final application of the Gorogio through a
vice-minister, as was proposed, for its postponement, the Japanese
envoys, who left for Europe last spring, very unexpectedly arrived here
in the mail steamer. We received at the same time the intelligence of
the conclusion, of a convention between France and Japan, in which,
among other things, it was provided that the Tycoon would, within three
months after the return of the envoys, open the inland sea. It is
understood they were recalled by the Tycoon, though not expected to
arrive so inopportunely. It became necessary, therefore, to countermand
the orders for the combined expedition. Being satisfied that the envoys
had entered into engagements which the Tycoon could not ratify, as he
would thereby immediately inaugurate a civil war, and that if ratified
it would be impossible for him to carry them out, I addressed a
[Page 545]
letter to the Gorogio asking
to be informed of his decision. The following day similar letters were
addressed to the ministers by my colleagues of Great Britain and the
Netherlands, and the minister of France at the same time inquired when
the Tycoon would be prepared to carry the convention into effect. We
were informed that governors would be despatched to give us full
information on the subject.
We were accordingly waited on by Takemeto Kai-no-kami and other
governors, the minister of France receiving them separately, and my
colleagues of Great Britain and the Netherlands jointly.
The governors said the return of the envoys had been very unfortunate.
They had first acted foolishly in making such a convention, and then in
returning so quickly; that the Tycoon wished they had been drowned; they
deserved to lose their heads, and they would be severely punished. They
then announced that the Tycoon had decided not to ratify the convention;
they also said that it was absolutely essential that the Tycoon should
gain time; that he would, therefore, at once send another embassy which,
however, would not go further than Shanghai.
The representatives of the treaty powers immediately had another
conference, and agreed on a memorandum providing that the naval and
military commanders should be immediately requested to proceed as before
decided.
You will perceive that the memorandum contemplates taking possession of
some port in Choshu’s territory, with a view to securing an indemnity
for the expenses of the expedition, and also, if practicable, by
negotiation, an additional open port.
Shortly after the sailing of the expedition we were waited on by envoys
from the ministers with a message that Choshu had sent his chief
officers to Kioto with a large force, which had come in conflict with
the Prince of Aidzu, charged by the Tycoon with the defence of the
Mikado, and that during its continuance a large portion of the city had
been destroyed. That the Mikado had called on the Tycoon for protection,
and had ordered him to proceed at once to punish Choshu.
I have also been informed by a vice-minister, attended by Takemeto
Kai-no-kami and other governors, that the Tycoon had taken possession of
the Yasikis or palaces of Choshu in Yedo, and would proceed with great
vigor to execute the orders of the Mikado. At the same time he said he
had come down to ask that the fleet should not be sent against him.
The fleet had, as he was aware, already left. The expedition is composed
of nine British, four Dutch, three French, and one United States
steamer, (chartered,) the Ta-Kiang. The British admiral said he would be
willing to order the Jamestown to be towed to Simonoseki, if desired;
but, as she would be entirely useless when there, it would only mortify
the officers and might embarrass his movements. At the same time both
he, Admiral Jaures, and the captain commanding the Netherlands squadron,
as well as my colleagues, gave it as their opinion that it was
exceedingly desirable that our flag should be represented, and that,
though the government of Japan fully understood the position of the
United States, the Daimios not in the confidence of the government might
misapprehend it, and that, although the Jamestown would be necessarily
retained at this place, it was possible the impression might be created
thereby that the United States was not in harmony with the other treaty
powers. Under these circumstances Captain Price and myself felt it to be
our duty to charter the Ta-Kiang, an American steamer, nearly new, of
over 600 tons, and which it is supposed will prove quite serviceable.
She was placed by Captain Price under the command of Lieutenant Pearson,
of the Jamestown, and carries the 30-pound Parrott gun of that ship,
besides three small guns with which she was already armed.
I am happy to say the charter was effected on very reasonable terms. I
will
[Page 546]
in my next enclose copy
of charter, and will probably be able then to give the result of the
expedition.
I have the honor to enclose—
No. 1, Mr. Pruyn to Captain O. Price, commanding Jamestown.
No. 2. Copy of memorandum of meeting of naval officers at this port on
the 12th of August, 1864, referred to in my despatch No. 54 of the 13th
August, 1864.
No. 3. Copy of memorandum of meeting of foreign representatives of the
15th of August, requesting the naval commanders to open the straits of
Simonoseki by force, &c.
No. 4. Copy of memorandum of meeting of foreign representatives of the
20th August, desiring naval commanders to suspend operations at
Simonoseki, in view of the return of the Japanese embassy from Europe
and convention concluded by them in Paris.
No. 5. Mr. Pruyn to the minister of foreign affairs, (No. 79.)
No. 6. Minister for foreign affairs to Mr. Pruyn, in reply, annulling
convention of Paris.
No. 7. Copy of memorandum of meeting of the foreign representatives of
the 25th August, desiring naval commanders to proceed with the opening
of the straits of Simonoseki, &c.
No. 8. Mr. Pruyn to the ministers of foreign affairs, (note identique,)
August 29, 1864, (No. 80.)
No. 9. Translation of a document purporting to be an account of the
Prince of Choshu’s coup-de-main at Kioto, to seize and carry off the
person of the Mikado, and of its signal defeat.
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, Washington, D. C.
No. 1.
Mr. Pruyn to Captain Price
No. 75.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Yedo,
July 24, 1864.
Sir: You are aware that the diplomatic
representatives of the treaty powers have for some time been
considering the condition of affairs in Japan, with a view to the
adoption of measures conceived to be necessary for the maintenance
of treaty rights.
I have now the honor to enclose, for your information, copies of a
correspondence with the Gorogio and memoranda signed by the
diplomatic representatives, which will disclose the result at which
they have arrived, and also, with sufficient clearness, the reasons
which have controlled their decision to render it unnecessary for me
to enter on the discussion of the subject.
You will perceive that action by the naval and military commanders of
the treaty powers is contemplated.
I have, therefore, to request you to confer with the admirals of the
British and French naval forces, and the captain commanding the
squadron of the Netherlands, with a view to such action as may be
judged best.
I am aware of the very insufficient force at your disposal. It is
nevertheless important that such co-operation as may be possible,
either in the display of
[Page 547]
our flag in the inland sea, or in the defence of Yokohama, as may be
mutually agreed on, shall take place, thus aiding to secure, as far
as possible, our common interests, and carry out the wishes of the
President for harmonious action with the treaty powers.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident in
Japan.
Captain Cicero Price, Commanding United States Ship Jamestown.
No. 2.
H. B. M. Ship Euryalus, Yokohama,
August 12, 1864.
The officers commanding the naval forces of the treaty powers at
Yokohama having received the memorandum of the representatives,
dated the 22d July, 1864, met this day on board the Euryalus, and
have taken into serious consideration the requisition to open the
straits of Simonoseki.
From the information received from the captain of the Barossa and the
officers sent with him, they are convinced that the straits of
Simonoseki continue to be closed, and that they can only be opened
by force.
To attain this object, the commanding officers think that it would be
necessary to take the greater part of the naval forces, and a
portion of the troops now on shore at Yokohama, and they declare
themselves ready to act in conformity with the programme of the
policy set forth in the memorandum.
Nevertheless, they cannot undertake to leave Yokohama until they
shall have been relieved entirely by their respective ministers from
all responsibility with regard to the defence and security of the
settlement.
AUGUSTUS L. KUPER, Vice-Admiral and
Commander-in-Chief of H. B. M. Naval Forces.
C. JAURES, Rear-Admiral and
Commander-in-Chief of H. I. M. Naval Forces.
CICERO PRICE, Captain U. S. Ship
Jamestown, Senior Officer of the U. S. S. in
Japan.
J. DE MARR, Captain his Netherland
Majesty’s ShiNo. 3.p Metalen
Kruis, Senior Officer of his Netherland Majesty’s Ship in
Japan.
No. 3.
Memorandum.
The undersigned, representatives of the treaty powers, having met and
taken into consideration the copy of a minute, showing the result of
the deliberations of the commanding officers of the respective naval
forces assembled at Yokohama, and signed on the 12th instant, have
agreed and resolved as follows:
1. To inform the commanding officers aforesaid that they are entirely
relieved from all responsibility with regard to the defence and
security of the settlement.
2. To request them, in conformity with the programme of the policy
set forth in the memorandum of the undersigned, dated the 20th of
July last, to proceed with all convenient speed to open the straits
of Simonoseki, destroying and disarming the batteries of the Prince
of Choshu, and otherwise crippling
[Page 548]
him in all his means of attack, and to inform
them that the political situation renders it desirable that there
should be no considerable delay in the commencement of
operations.
3. In the possibility of the Prince of Choshu being intimidated by
the imposing nature of the force brought against him, and not
firing, to request the naval officers, notwithstanding, to destroy
his batteries, and take such measures as they may deem practicable
to secure a material guarantee against any further hostilities from
the same quarter.
4. To request them to avoid entering into any negotiations with the
prince, reserving the solution of all ulterior questions to the
action of the Tycoon’s government, in connexion with the foreign
representatives,
5. To suggest that any demonstration of force in the vicinity of
Osacca be avoided as possibly giving rise to some new complications,
and in order not to change the character of this expedition, which
ought to be regarded no otherwise than as a chastisement to be
inflicted on an outlaw or a pirate.
To request the commanding officer to secure the return to Yokohama of
such part of the squadron as may not be required for a free passage,
as soon as the operations here contemplated shall have been
completed.
Signed this 15th day of August.
R. A.
L. R.
BOBT. H. P.
D. DE G. V. P.
No. 4.
[Untitled]
The undersigned, representatives of the treaty powers, having in view
the sudden return of the Japanese mission from Europe and the
conclusion of a convention at Paris, before their departure, with
the government of France, by which the Tycoon engages to open the
straits of Simonoseki in three months after the date of the arrival
of the said envoys in Japan, have agreed and resolved—
1. To suspend the operations contemplated in their memorandum of the
15th instant until they can ascertain whether the Tycoon ratifies
the said convention (so far as regards the straits) signed by his
envoys in Paris or not.
2. To communicate a copy of this memorandum to the commanding
officers of the respective naval forces assembled at Yokohama, and
request them, in accordance herewith, to suspend all operations
until further notice.
Signed this 20th day of August, 1864, at Yokohama.
RUTHERFORD ALCOCK, H. B. M. Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary in
Japan.
LEON ROCHER, Minister Plenipotentiare de I
M. l’Empereur an Japan.
ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident of the
United States in Japan.
D. DE GRAEFF VAN POLSBROCK, Consul General
and Political Agent of H. N. Majesty in
Japan.
No. 5.
No. 79.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Kanagawa,
August 19, 1864.
I have the honor to request your excellencies to inform me whether
his Majesty the Tycoon approves of the convention made in his
behalf, by his
[Page 549]
ambassadors, with his Majesty the Emperor of France, to open the
Inland sea by the removal of the obstructions at Simonoseki, and
will carry the same into immediate effect, as such information may
have an important influence on my action.
Should your excellencies not be able to reply to this at once, I
desire to have an interview with your excellencies, and should be
pleased to have you appoint as early a day as Tuesday for such
conference.
With respect and esteem,
ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident of the
United States in Japan.
Their Excellencies the Ministers for Foreign
Affairs, &c., Yedo.
No. 6.
I received and fully understood your letter dated the 19th August.
Should the convention be carried out, it is certain that civil
commotion would be the immediate result, ultimately leading to a
rupture of the friendly relations between the two countries. These
circumstances were fully stated to the French minister, and the
convention (signed in Paris June 20, 1864,) was annulled, which we
request your excellency to take into consideration.
Stated in reply, with respect and
esteem, the 24th day of the 7th month of the 1st
year of Genji, (25th August, 1864.)
MIDSUMO IDSUMI-NO-KAMI.
His Excellency Robert H. Pruyn, Minister Resident of the United States of
America, &c., &c., &c.
No. 7.
Memorandum.
The undersigned, representatives of treaty powers, having met in
conference in order to communicate to each other reciprocally the
several answers received from the ministers of the Tycoon relative
to the convention signed in Paris on the 20th of June last by his
excellency the minister of foreign affairs and the Japanese
envoys—
The representatives of Great Britain, the United States of America,
and the Netherlands state that, in answer to the demand addressed by
them, respectively, on the 21st and 22d instant, to the minister of
foreign affairs at Yedo, their excellencies have declared officially
that it was impossible for the Tycoon’s government to give execution
to the article of the convention relating to the opening of the
straits of Simoneseki.
His excellency the minister plenipotentiary of France states, for the
information of his colleagues, that notwithstanding his efforts to
obtain from the Gorogio the ratification of the convention of Paris,
the ministers of the Tycoon, while testifying their respect for the
government of his Imperial Majesty the Emperor, have declared the
Tycoon to be quite unable, and therefore categorically refused to
ratify the article of the convention relative to his co-operation
with France for the opening of the straits of Simonoseki.
Under these circumstances, putting aside any question relative to the
consequences which the refusal of the Tycoon to ratify the
convention may have— questions in the competence of France alone to
discuss—and considering that the said convention, which had
suspended the combined operations contemplated
[Page 550]
in their memorandum signed on the 22d
July, and the note of the 15th August last, has not been ratified,
and that it is consequently without effect.
Considering further that the government of the Tycoon declares his
inability, by his own efforts, to open the straits of Simonoseki,
the undersigned agree unanimously—
1. To make known to the commanding officers of the respective naval
forces at Yokohama the actual state of affairs, and to request they
will consider as no longer in force the official communication made
to them on the 20th instant, on the part of the undersigned, calling
upon them to suspend operations, but that they will, on the
contrary, make the necessary arrangements to give effect with as
little delay as possible to the programme of measures specified in
the memorandum of the 22d July last.
2. To request the said naval officers in command further to take into
consideration the means of seizing some important position in or
commanding the straits of Simonoseki, or otherwise in the vicinity,
as they may judge most expedient or practicable, and of holding such
position as a guarantee until the undersigned representatives may
obtain, in connexion with the government of the Tycoon, an indemnity
from the Prince of Nagato to cover the expenses occasioned to their
respective governments by the expedition now to be despatched
against his batteries, and until possession can be given to the
Tycoon, or authorities deputed by him, of the whole line of
territory coasting the straits now appertaining to the said Prince
of Nagato.
The undersigned, moreover, deem it their duty to call the attention
of the respective senior naval officers to the possibility, as a
result of their operations, of obtaining an open port for trade in
or near the straits of Simoneseki, and to invite them, with this
object in view, to furnish the undersigned with such information as
to the relative advantages, in a maritime point of view, of the town
of Simoneseki, and other adjoining places, as their opportunities of
studying on the spot the capabilities of different ports may enable
them to supply.
It is distinctly understood that the indemnities of which there is
question herein are solely those resulting from the action in common
of the powers represented by the undersigned, and that those do not
in any way affect or prejudice the right of each power, ulteriorly,
to prosecute any claims it may see fit to make for separate
grievances not arising out of such common action. The necessity of
clearly defining and keeping distinct the present action in common
of the four powers with combined forces, and any separate action
which may subsequently be entered upon by one of their number, is
distinctly recognized by the undersigned.
Yokohama,
25th August,
1864.
R. A.
L. K.
R. H. P.
D. DE G. V. P.
No. 8.
No. 80.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Kanagawa,
August 29, 1864.
The letter your excellencies wrote on the 30th of June last, in
answer to mine of the 30th of the preceding month, has been received
and fully understood.
A letter of the same date and tenor having been received by each of
my colleagues also, the representatives of the four powers met in
conference to deliberate on the purport of your answer, and the
coarse to be adopted in consequence.
[Page 551]
The resolutions come to, after long and serious consideration due to
the gravity of the situation, were communicated to the vice-minister
and governor for foreign affairs, appearing on the part of the
Gorogio, at our request, on the 19th instant.
Having fully weighed all that was urged by the aforesaid delegates,
it is now my duty to make known the result.
In the opinion of all the representatives, the answer of your
excellencies of the 30th of June is virtually a negation of
important treaty rights. Your vice-minister, while urging the
postponement of the expedition, could not but admit that it was the
duty of the Tycoon to chastise the Prince of Choshu; at the same
time he confessed that no specific period could be fixed within
which action would be taken. Nor could your delegates deny that
there was justification in these circumstances for the course which
the representatives had finally resolved upon.
The reason urged on the part of the Tycoon for past delay, while
insufficient to justify the inaction complained of, failed
altogether in satisfying us that within any specific time, however
remote, effective steps would be taken by the Tycoon. It was
evident, therefore, to all that this Daimio would go entirely
unpunished unless the treaty powers themselves should take the
matter in hand.
The foreign representatives have accordingly, by common consent,
called upon the senior naval and military officers, without further
delay, to take the necessary steps to remove the obstructions now
existing to the free passage of the straits, and to prevent any
similar interruption to foreign trade in that locality.
As regards the retirement of foreigners from Yokohama, and the
warning of danger if they remain, your excellencies and the Gorogio
now know that our respective governments peremptorily refused to
entertain any proposition for the closing of the port. As to dangers
menacing the settlement or the lives of foreigners, it only remains,
therefore, for myself and my colleagues to warn the government of
the Tycoon of the consequences of any attempt upon life or property
pending the contemplated operations, when a large portion of the
allied forces must necessarily be absent. This may be thought by
lawless and ill-disposed parties a favorable opportunity for
disturbing our tranquillity, if not for attack. But it is my duty to
warn your excellencies in time that any violence or measures of
intimidation or coercion tending to alarm or drive away the native
population about us, or otherwise molest the residents and affect
their security or trade, will be considered an act of hostility for
which the whole nation shall be held responsible. And whoever the
assailants may be, should any of these evils be experienced, steps
will be taken to make the responsibility felt by reprisals, not only
directed against Yedo, but Osacca and Kioto.
We hope, therefore, in the interest of the Mikado and Tycoon, no less
than of the whole country, peace will not be disturbed here or at
any of the ports open to foreign trade.
With respect and esteem,
ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident of the
United States in Japan.
Their Excellencies the Ministers for Foreign
Affairs, &c., &c., &c.,
Yedo.
[Translation.]
First intelligence of the battle at Kioto, by an
overland courier.
Kioto,August 20.
This morning, at daybreak, a battle has taken place between Aisoo and
Choshu with artillery. All the streets from Jebisugawa Josai
Karasoomaro to Tyamatshi have been destroyed by fire. The
inhabitants have left the town.
[Page 552]
[From Ohosaka.]
Kikawa, kiumots-a-karo (minister) of Choshu, has arrived here with
5,000 men to advance upon Kioto. Re-enforcements are following. They
are advancing towards Fusimi. Great panic prevailing at Kioto.
In haste.
Extract from a private letter from a merchant in
Kioto.
This morning, at daybreak, from the other side, of Katsuhagawa, (a
river,) bands of people of a suspicious appearance were seen
advancing, collecting together into a large mob. They attacked the
west end of Kioto and committed violence, and advancing towards the
palace of the Mikado, supposed with the intention of seizing or
capturing the person of the Mikado. The guards got ready and made
preparations for the defence of the gates. Now a band of soldiers,
supposed to belong to Choshu, opened fire with small and large guns,
advancing at the same time to the number of 500 or more. A large
fire was raging at the same time, and destroyed the houses from the
west end of the town, advancing rapidly towards the Mikado’s palace.
The troops guarding Kioto, belonging to Matsdaira Higo-no-kami
(Aisoo*) and Todo,† as also the troops
sent from Yedo, guarded one side of the palace, which position was
attacked by the soldiers of Choshu, and a serious engagement took
place on that spot, as great numbers of wounded and killed on both
sides show. I have not arrived at the particulars of the fight, but
shall send them afterwards. The Mikado is well protected, but as the
fire is still raging, the panic is great among the merchants and
citizens.
HI KOHE, of the house of
Yanagia.
Report of the messenger from Otsu, a village
three miles from Kioto, on the Tokaido.
Before daybreak, on the 20th instant, the troops of Choshu assembled
on the hill, Tennosow, (near Kioto,) in the temple of Tenlonsi, and
advanced suddenly towards the town of Kioto. A fight began with the
guards of the Mikado’s palace. On both sides big guns were
continually firing. At 3 o’clock in the morning a column of smoke
and fire was seen rising from the Choshu’s yankis (residences of
Choshu) in the Kawaramasoo and in Fuscimi, apparently set fire to
inside. The fight near the Mikado’s palace was in the mean time
increasing. At mid-day the wounded and killed were lying about in
heaps. The houses of the Mikado’s officers, named Iakatsukasa and
Kusio, were burned. The streets were also set on fire on the west
side Termatshi, on the east side Karasoomaroo, all burning at the
same time. In the night of the 20th nearly the whole town was laid
in ashes. On the 21st the temples of Kiomilu and Kodaisi and Awada
Sisigtani were fired upon with large guns and set on fire, which
burned up to the castle called Nigio. The Mikado has been obliged to
fly to the temple of Hiyesan, five ri from Kioto. The battle is
still raging, whilst the empty plains of Kioto are filled with
soldiers dressed in armor. The citizens have all left the ruins.
This letter left on the 21st August, at 8 o’clock in the morning.
Received in Yedo at 8 o’clock of 25th August.
P. S.—From Yedo.—Troops are going up daily to Kioto and passing the
Tokaido. Several hundred of Choshu’s men were turned back on the
Tokaido by Satsuma’s men, sent from their Yedo Yanki.
