Mr. Portman to Mr. Seward.

No. 69]

Sir: As stated in my despatch No. 66, of the 30th ultimo, I that day addressed a letter to the minister for foreign affairs, informing him of my return to Yedo, and transmitting copies of the Mikado’s sanction and accompanying documents. I now have the honor to transmit enclosure No. 1, a copy of that letter, and also enclosure No. 2, a translation of his reply.

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.

No. 1.

[Untitled]

I have the honor to inform your excellency of my return to Yedo, and to transmit herewith for your information copies of three documents, as follows:

No. 1. The Mikado to his Majesty the Tycoon, sanctioning the treaties.

No. 2. The minister for foreign affairs to Mr. Portman.

No. 3. With regard to the promulgation of the Mikado’s sanction.

I am happy to believe that the peace and prosperity of Japan, in harmony with foreign relations, have now been placed on a lasting foundation under the strong government of his Majesty the Tycoon.

Official copies of the foregoing documents, and instructions in connection therewith, from his Majesty the Tycoon will no doubt reach your excellency at an early day, and I now have the honor to request you at once to appoint commissioners for the negotiation with the foreign representatives of amendments in the tariff, so urgently needed both for Japanese and foreign interests.

With respect and esteem,

A. L. C. PORTMAN, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States in Japan.

His Excellency Midsuno Idsumi no Kami, Minister for Foreign Affairs, &c., &c., &c., Yedo.

No. 2.

[Translation.]

I have received your letter, No. 120, of the 30th November, informing me of the result of your negotiations with my colleagues at Osacca during your recent visit to Hiogo.

I am greatly obliged to you for your kindness in so promptly communicating this to me, thereby again showing your desire to promote friendly feeling between our respective countries.

I shall be prepared to enter upon the contemplated negotiations, as stated to you by the [Page 195] governor for foreign affairs, Edzre Kanga no Kami, as soon as the official communication to that effect shall have been received from Osacca.

Which I have to state with respect and esteem.

MIDSUNO IDSUMI NO KAMI.

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