Mr. Burlingame to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that, with my family, I this day arrived in China, and have entered upon the active duties of my office.
In California, while waiting for the Swallow, a bark of two hundred and fifty tons, to be made fit for a voyage across the Pacific, I did what I could to awaken an interest in the trade of the east, and I have reason to believe that, with the Pacific mail steamers, there will go out influences by which the current of exchanges may be largely and immediately directed toward and through the United States.
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In Japan I visited the Gorogio, with my esteemed colleague, General Van Valkenburgh.
Rear-Admiral Bell, commanding the East India squadron, was so kind as to take us from Yokohama to Yedo, in the famous ship Hartford, accompanied by the Wyoming and Wachusett. He also landed a company of marines, who escorted us to the United States legation. He subsequently, as one of the general’s suite, joined in the visit to the Gorogio I saw during the interview that the Japanese were pleased with this demonstration of force by us in the Japan waters. They were pleased also to see a minister from the United States, and, above all, one who had actually served his country in the late war.
The Tycoon’s government, which is the central one, is at war with the great prince or daimio Choshu, who is so far successful as to cause a great deal of uneasiness.
While in Japan I had the pleasure of conferring with United States Admiral Bell and the British Admiral King, with a view of concerting measures for the destruction of pirates in the east, and was pleased to find those distinguished officers prepared to act promptly and in harmony.
Between Japan and China we experienced, on board of the French steamer Duplex, the severest “typhoon” known in the eastern seas for years. The barometer fell to 28.01, and we were only saved by the skill of Captain Noel and one or two of his officers.
In China I find affairs a little more hopeful than formerly. Merchants are recovering from the severe financial crisis experienced throughout the east.
Prince Kung is in his former position. Our true friends Wensiang and Tung have both been promoted, one to the presidency of the board of office, the other to that of war. Chinglum and Hangki have also received additional titles. There has been added to the Foreign Office Fan, a gentleman who in the Tast reign was degraded for writing a geography favorable to foreigners. He is now promoted for the same cause. Altogether the indications are that the Foreign Office is acquiring a greater influence in the affairs of the government.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.