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. 2.]

Legation of the United States in Japan, Yedo, January 8, 1866.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, dated August 31, September 4, September 30, October 9, and October 17, respectively.

In obedience to the instructions contained in your despatch No. 3, I addressed a letter to the Gorogio, copy of which I herewith transmit, enclosure No. 1.

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.

Mr. Portman to Midsuno Idsumi no Kami.

Legation of the United States in Japan, Yedo, January 8, 1866.

I have the honor to inform your excellency that my despatch, conveying, at your desire, to my government the expressions of sympathy and condolence of his Majesty the Tycoon and his government on learning the assassination of President Lincoln and the attack on the Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, has been received and submitted to the President of the United States. The President was profoundly affected by those expressions.

While the dangers that then threatened have been averted by an All-merciful Providence, the United States is not, therefore, by any means less grateful to friendly powers for the good wishes they expressed in its behalf.

I am authorized to renew to your government the assurances of the friendship of the United States for the Emperor and people of Japan.

With respect and esteeem,

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.