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

Mr. Portman to Mr. Seward.

No. 68.]

Legation of the United States in Japan, Yedo, December 6, 1865.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith (No. 1) translation of a letter from the minister for foreign affairs, announcing that the Mikado’s ratification of the treaties was promulgated in all parts of this empire on the 1st instant.

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

A. L. C. PORTMAN, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim in Japan.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

[Translation.]

I have the honor to inform you that, on the 14th instant, (the 1st December,) all Daimios and others were notified that the treaties have been ratified by the Mikado.

Which I have to state with respect and esteem.

On the seventeenth day of the tenth month of the first year of Ké Yu, (December 4.)

MIDSUNO IDSUMI NO KAMI.

A. L. C. Portman, Esq., Chargé d’Affaires of the United States, &c., &c.