Mr. Seward to Mr. Pruyn
Sir: Your despatch of the 1st of December last, No. 80, has been received, and the account which it gives of your interview of the day before with the senior governor, and four other governors for foreign affairs, has been read with much interest. You were quite right in the assurance you gave them, that an embassy from their government would be received here with attention and respect. It should be clearly understood, however, that this must not suspend the prosecution of our claims for satisfaction on the moderate terms already announced.
Your assent to be the medium of communication with the government of Russia, in the absence of a minister of that power in Japan, was very properly given, and is approved.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Robert H. Pruyn, Esq., Minister Resident in Japan, Yokohama.